Mataram, W Nusa Tenggara (Antara Bali) - General Chairman of the Central Board of Muhammadiyah Din Syamsuddin expressed deep concern about a resurgence of communal conflicts in the city of Sumbawa Besar, in West Nusatenggara, on Tuesday.
Similar conflicts over tribal and religious sentiments broke out in the capital city of the regency of Sumbawa on Nov. 17 in 1980.
"We are deeply concerned that a conflict broke out again in Sumbawa Besar. The conflict claimed no life but it caused damage to property including a hotel. This makes us very sad," Din Syamsiddin, who was born in the city, said via telephone.
The causes of the conflicts on Tuesday were almost the same as in 1980 over tribal and religious sentiments, he said.
"This shows there is still something in the communities that needs serious addressing, a problem under the responsibility of the government and religious and community leaders," he said.
Tribe and religion have nothing to with the conflicts but it happened that the two people involved in an accident were from different tribes and religions, he said.
The family of the victim of the accident should have brought their case to the law to be settled legally , he said. (*/DWA/T007)
