Lombok violence sends tourists packing

This has been vehemently rejected by President Abdurrahman Wahid, who has threatened harsh action against radicals trying to ignite a wider sectarian conflict.

In Jakarta, political analysts have warned that there is a serious threat the sectarian violence could now snowball and spread to other regions in Indonesia.

"The president needs to give a very stern warning to Muslim groups to stop this violence -- otherwise it could get out of control," said Ong Hok Ham, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia.