Ruslan Sangadji, Palu – Already shaken by religious violence and terrorist attacks, residents of Poso regency in Central Sulawesi were forced to take cover late on Monday when rival police and military units became involved in an armed clash.
Also on Monday night, a small explosive device went off on a street near a church, police said.
The incidents took place as many residents were preparing to mark the Islamic Day of Sacrifice, or Idul Adha, on Tuesday. At least 4,000 security personnel were deployed to the regency to provide protection during the holiday.
Commanders of the units involved in the clash have been questioned by a special team set up by the newly established Central Sulawesi Security Operation Command.
The head of the operation command, Insp. Gen. Paulus Purwoko, said the lack of discipline on the part of the police and military would not be tolerated.
"Our preliminary investigation indicates the clash began when two men riding on a motorbike made a joke at a unit of soldiers who were searching locations preparing to hold Idul Adha prayers.
"Believing the two men to be police officers, some of the soldiers went to Poso Police Headquarters in the evening searching for, but failing to find the men," Purwoko said at a press conference.
As the soldiers were leaving the police headquarters they heard gunfire. They turned and saw a group of police officers, stationed in the yard of the former Alamanda Hotel, allegedly firing at the soldiers, according to Purwoko.
The police officers and soldiers then exchanged gunfire for several minutes, "but they were not firing at each other, just shooting into the air", Purwoko said.
In Jakarta, Vice President Jusuf Kalla deplored the clash, but said the incident occurred "due to a misunderstanding between two security personnel".
Clashes between the notoriously ill-disciplined police and military are common across the country. They are often sparked by disputes over illegal businesses that critics say both forces are heavily involved in.
The clash on Monday night was followed by a small explosion near Sion Church. No injuries or damages were reported in the explosion
Central Sulawesi Police chief Brig. Gen. Oegroseno hinted that an "opportunistic terrorist group" was responsible for the explosion on Monday, as well as a string of recent bombings and violent attacks in Poso.
However, he refused to elaborate on the possible identity of the group.
Members of the Poso Center, a group of non-governmental organizations, criticized the police and military for their actions. Yusuf Lakaseng, coordinator of the Poso Center, said the skirmish underlined the rivalry between the military and police.
"The clash is a strong sign to the central government that sending huge numbers of security personnel to Poso is not the way to solve the problems here," Yusuf told The Jakarta Post.
Poso and the surrounding districts saw fierce battles between Muslims and Christians in 2001 and 2002, which left about 1,000 people dead. While the fighting has for the most part ceased, sporadic bombings, shootings and attacks continue.