Authorities say Poso calmer
15 July 2006, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The head of the recently concluded security operation in Central Sulawesi's restive Poso and Palu said Friday the level of violence in the area had subsided during the six-month operation.
Insp. Gen. Paulus Purwoko, speaking in Jakarta, said that during the first three months of the operation, the number of violent incidents fell to seven, with one fatality and two injuries. That was from nine violent incidents in the previous three months, resulting in 13 deaths and 52 injuries.
"The number was even lower in the second three months, with only five cases with no victims," Purwoko said.
He said members of the operation also secured 296 homemade firearms, which were voluntarily handed in by locals, eight FN6 revolvers, one M16 and one AK-47.
The operation task force, set up by the government in January, completed its six-month mission to restore order in Poso and Palu earlier this month.
Purwoko said the task force's departure would not affect the security situation in the towns.
"We're optimistic the local police, helped by local Army officers, as well as the police's antiterror squad, will be able to maintain the situation and arrest any suspects who have already been identified," he said.
Police have name several suspects in attacks in Poso. Authorities say the suspects are members of a group whose leader and three other members have been detained at National Police Headquarters in Jakarta.
The four detainees have been identified as Hasanuddin, Irwanto Irano, Haris and Rahmat, alias Jenda. They were arrested in Palu, Poso and Tolitoli.
"After questioning witnesses, we believe the suspects are members of the same group," Purwoko said.
He added that the next step for Poso was to restore community life and begin the process of physical rebuilding. (07)