Rev. Rinaldy Damanik has been a prominent figure in peace negotiation and reconciliation effots in Poso. Rev. Damanik has suffered a lot during the conflict in Poso. Poso (Central Sulawesi) had been in turmoil due to the civil unrest. The conflicts in Poso occurred from 1998 to 2007. The conflict was instigated by few extremist. Rev. Damanik was falsely accused on weapons charges and imprisoned in 2003. All charges were later dropped and he was set free. He was elected as president of GKST (Christian Church of Central Sulawesi) for the period of 2003 to 2007. This interview was conducted in 2007.
I: Adison Wongkar; RD: Rinaldy Damanik
I: What would you say is the key for the true reconciliation between Muslims and Christians in Poso?
RD: Reconciliation needs to be motivated and strongly manifested in the goodwill among all parties. The goodwill shows the willingness to forgive each other. Full reconciliation can only be achieved when real facts are divulged and revealed so that all groups know what and who they are forgiving. If the true facts are kept concealed, the emotions could no longer be contained and have to burst out. Internally, each group has to agree to forgive and content. For example, all Christian groups have to be reconciled with one another as well.
I: Do you see important role of the leaders in a peaceful reconciliation?
RD: Yes, we have to put an effort to meet with all leaders including the hardliners. In the context of Poso, we need to meet with Ustad Adnan Arzal, one of the hardliner. However, this does not mean that our efforts are above the law. We had to obey and follow the law. For example, when Ustad’s Adnan Arzal is in trouble because of his organization involvement with a terrorist group, he had to deal with the law. However, our relationship with him should not change.
The government should support the reconciliation effort s, especially relate to rehabilitation process of the infrastructure. The government could rebuild the infrastructure. In the building project, the government can pair Christian group with Muslim group. This interaction will develop more understanding and eventually reconciliation between the groups.
I: What was the main reason for the conflict in Poso?
RD: What happened was that most people were being provoked. The conflict has nothing to do with the lives of these people. The crux of the issue is the elite’s issue, the struggle of power in government office, specifically Poso regent’s office (Bupati Poso). These people were very susceptible to being provoked because they never thought to think calmly and to have broad perspective. As a reverend, I must evaluate myself whether my behavior or sermons do not prepare to think and act with restrain. The lack of education and poverty has also contributed to the conflict. The overwhelming majority of the provoked people are those who were at the bottom rung of the ladder or very poor people.
I: Do you have a dream or vision for Poso?
RD: My hope is simple: do not let these atrocities and civil war happens again. If the conflicts do not recur, Poso will rise from the ashes. The problem could be resolved easily. Education is improving and the economy is good. All aspects of live can be improved. To have this vision a reality, we should be impervious to provocation. When people stir and arouse us to do negative things, we have to refuse it. The ability to refuse the provocation could be better with better education and higher income.
In summary, I dream Poso will turn into a society that operates based on knowledge, faith, and appreciates culture at the same time. The importance of culture cannot be underestimated. The culture of openness and humility is very important to promote. Openness will allow dialog across religious groups, ethics, moral, and respect towards each other. Humility will snap us out of our ego. We need to realize that we cannot live alone and need to depend on others very much.