'Puger's conflict has transnational dimension'

Jember, NU Online
Conflict in Sampang and Puger should not be read as local and intergroup onflict, but it should also be seen as the one having transnational dimension. Therefore, there must be reconciliation and the rule-of-law enforcement and the hard work of all parties.<>

Secretary of the Jember's NU Dakwa Institution Moch Eksan made the remarks on the sidelines of a discussion with Head of Political and Economic Division of the U.S. General Consulate in Surabaya, Heather Coble, at Aston Hotel, Jember, on Monday (23 /9​​).

According Eksan, various belief systems in Islam have the potential to create conflict for it is noly caused by the different religious viewpoints but is also caused by such factors as personal interests, fight for influence, economic resources, political interests at home and abroad.

"The ways of overcoming (the conflict) are also complex and there must be comprehensive approaches by involving all parties and those who have interests of the case, including the western countries," he said.

Eksan added, cases in Sampang and Puger were exactly the same as firecracker theory. The firecracker explosion was in Puger and Sampang but its trigger axis could be from from abroad.

"This is where all parties must carefully take into account, respond and deal with the conflict," he said.

Meanwhile, Coble asked for explanations in terms of the conflict. He expressed concern over the occurrence of such cases. "I am (deeply) concerned about the Puger case," he said.

The discussion was attended by Alfan Jamil (Deputy Chairman of Jember's chapter of NU), Prof DR Babun Suharto (Chairman of Jember's STAIN), Abdurahman Baktir (owner of Suara Akbar Radio station), M Eksan (Chairman of Jember's NasDem Party) and some lecturers of Jember's STAIN.

Reporting by Aryudi A Razaq; Editing by Sudarto Murtaufiq