Dina Indrasafitri, Jakarta – The National Police say social conflicts resulting from religious intolerance here will increase and are looking for ways to prevent a blowout.

With less than three months in command, National Police chief Gen. Timur Pradopo said quelling the brewing tensions between religious groups would be a top priority for next year.

"The handling of... communal and horizontal conflicts [and] problems related to... places of worship and border disputes will be one of the main priorities in 2011," Timur told a press conference.

There were dozens of incidents in 2010 involving the condemnation or assault of religious minorities.

The incidents included a torching of a Catholic priest's home in North Sumatra in January and a clash in Kuningan, West Java, between an angry mob and Ahmadiyah members, who have been called heretics by other Muslims.

Two members of the Batak Protestant Church in Ciketing, Bekasi, were attacked in September following a long-running conflict between church members and residents of the predominantly Muslim area who disapproved of Christian religious services being held near their homes.

The most recent incident happened earlier this week when Muslims in Bogor demanded that a Christmas Eve prayer service at the Taman Yasmin Church be moved, citing permit problems.

Amid the incidents – which have intensified since 2000, according to a Center for the Study of Islam and Society survey – many have said that the response of the police has been nothing but reactionary.

According to Timur, the police's role would extend beyond prevention and taking action against crimes stemming from religious conflict.

"We will also push to find a solution. Worship is something one must do. If no place is available then the regional government should provide one, in a function hall or somewhere, so that people can worship in peace," he said.

Syarif Hidayatullah Islamic University rector Komaruddin Hidayat, said the National Police's new energy to fight intolerance might have come too late and it would be hard for the police to unlearn old habits.

"The police are representatives of the state and the law. There are no majorities or minorities for them. They have been giving the impression of being on the majority's side," Komaruddin said.

Muhammad Isnur from the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute said that the police had lacked firmness in handling conflicts and in taking action against perpetrators. "Instead of protecting the minority, they have protected the majority," Isnur said.

Earlier this month, prosecutors and police sealed off an Ahmadiyah orphanage in Tasikmalaya, locking 10 children inside.

Benny Soesatyo from the Setara Institute said that all the police had to do was take action against violators. "All the police chief has to do is be firm..."

Benny said a mediating role should be left to the Interfaith Communications Forum (FKUB), while regional governments should be responsible for religious harmony in their areas.