The East Java governor’s shifting views on sectarian violence against Shiites have stifled the conflict’s resolution, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS) said on Monday.

The human rights watchdog referred to a remark made by East Java Governor Soekarwo on Monday, in which he refused to relocate Shia followers following Sunday’s melee in Sampang, Madura, which killed two Shiites.

Soekarwo said that his administration could create a safer environment for the group to stay in the region. Relocation, he said, would generate the perception that the government could not protect its own citizens.

“[Minority relocation] should not happen in the nation under the ideology of Pancasila,” he said, as quoted by kompas.com.

“In compliance with the President’s instructions, we will implement persuasive measures to settle this matter,” said the governor.

Kontras claimed the governor’s recent remarks represented a major reversal from an earlier statement he made following a previous outbreak of sectarian violence.

“When three Shiites’ houses were set alight on December, he promised to relocate the Shiite settlement. Now, he changes his view?” the coordinator of Kontras’ East Java chapter, Andy Irfan, told The Jakarta Post Digital on Monday.

The government, he said, needed to formulate a visible master plan that complied with Shiitesâ?? views.

“Whether Shiites need to be relocated or not, the government has to listen their suggestions,” he added.

Andy went on to say that 253 Shiites had taken shelter in the Sampang sports center, though many were still unaccounted for.

“About 200 Shiites are still missing, maybe they are hiding in the forest or in their relativeâ??s houses,” he said.

The Sampang district administration has promised to cover the refugeesâ?? expenses and to provide necessary emergency facilities at the sports center.

Until the situation is resolved, the East Java Policeâ??s Mobile Brigade (Brimob) and the Indonesian Military (TNI) are providing security at the shelter. (yps)