Makkasar – Fresh sectarian violence hit Luwu regency, South Sulawesi. Masses clashed sporadically between Monday, August 21, until today, August 23. Gunfire volleys were heard in Luwu, located 600 kilometers north of Makassar. Two other settlements were burned.

The unrest first broke out in Lamasi district, where two houses were burned. Rioting spread to the districts of Sabbang, Baebunta, and Malangke, and the hinterland districts around Bone Bay. Two settlements in the Teteuri and Mangkallang areas of the Sabbang District were also burned. As a result, residents fled to nearby villages. At least 90 buildings, including six prayer houses, two schools, and a mill, were burned. Luckily, nobody was injured.

Ambe Aco, a of resident of Teteuri, clarified the areas controlled by the two groups. Muslim from the Danta, Teteuri, Mangkallang, and surrounding districts occupy the East. They have joined forces with the people of Lembanglembang village in Sabbang district. Meanwhile, Christians gathered in the West. If the security forces take no serious action, Ambe worried that the fighting spread to the capital of the four districts. "The police must localize the fighting immediately. The destruction of a religious building easily cause aother conflict," he said.

Meanwhile, police and military personnel from the Luwu Police and Luwu Milittary Command were stationed in the troubled areas. Although the security forces have a heavy burden in the field, units led by Superintendent Anjaya have entered the affected areas. "It is dangerous in the area where we stationed units. Therefore, we are moving slowly," a member of the Luwu Police force told Tempo today.