Ruslan Sangadji, Poso – Religious figures in Central Sulawesi see the security situation in Poso regency as improved and large-scale violence a thing of the past.

This proves residents are aware of the value of peace, says a church leader. A leader from the Toraja Church in Poso, Rev. Dharma Sallata, said the peaceful situation must be maintained, at whatever cost, because peace was so dear.

He urged people not to undermine the peace which has been achieved. "People shouldn't be led away by their own temporary interests if this would eventually be detrimental to us all. Conflicts only bring misery," said Dharma.

Poso became a center of bloodshed during violent religious conflicts in the late 1990s and early 2000s; thousands of people were killed.

Dharma said the four-day Poso Lake Festival, late last week, was evidence of peace and security in Poso.

The Central Sulawesi Protestant Church synod in Tentena, Poso, had a similar message of peace. An episcopal letter signed by acting leader Rev. Ishak Pole called for Christmas this year to be commemorated in peace.

Spreading peace to all humans was the duty of Christians everywhere and this year's Christmas was the right moment to spread peace, he wrote. "Don't be influenced by misleading information. Let's live in peace and harmony."

Head of the Palu chapter of the Indonesian Ulema Council, Zainal Abidin, said calm in Poso was something that everyone appreciated. After living in fear, he said, Muslims no less than Christians enjoy living in peace.

"So, peace shouldn't be undermined by irresponsible parties." Zainal said police, military, religious, youth and community leaders in Poso are working together to maintain harmony.