Jakarta – Indonesia's army chief has blamed migrants from East Java for the outbreak of ethnic riots in West Kalimantan, the official Antara news agency reported yesterday.

"We have proof, there were bad people from East Java who came there to incite, so something happened which we did not want," General R. Hartono told reporters yesterday.

He said West Kalimantan was peaceful before the arrival of the outsiders from East Java.

"The people were harmonious. After the bad people came, they were restless again," he said, without giving further details.

Clashes broke out in late December between indigenous Dayaks and Madurese transmigrants in Sanggau Ledo, about 95 km north of Pontianak, the provincial capital. Fighting later spread to other parts of the province.

The military said at least 12 people were killed during the last six weeks but some residents and church sources said the figure could be higher.

Officials said traditional ceremonies and peace talks to ease tension have been held.

The Information Ministry has, meanwhile, warned Japanese media correspondents about their coverage of the unrest.

"We hope that you will be more careful in covering the recent situation. Hopefully your coverage will not eliminate the trust and friendship that the Japanese society has for Indonesia," said a letter on Friday signed by journalism-development director Akhmadsyah Naina.

The media organisations were yesterday weighing up the warning but did not appear to be considering any action at this stage. – Reuters, AFP.