THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 366 (30/04/2003) #5412
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, April 29, 2003
VISIT BY MINISTER OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS -- On April 28-29 Cabinet Minister of
Social Affairs Yusuf Kalla paid a visit to Ambon. Among other activities he met the
Malino-II delegates to evaluate the results of the by himself initiated reconciliatory
meeting in Malino, South Celebes, in February 2002, then resulting in the eleven-point
"Moluccas Agreement" on February 12, 2002. He said the conflict was over now
indeed. The big problems are now the return of the refugees and the economic
recovery of the Moluccas. He said he did not see any obstruction any more to the
return of all refugees to their original towns and villages. He insisted that economic
recovery of the Moluccas should be carried out mainly by the Moluccans themselves.
In this context, on April 29, he officially inaugurated the reopening of the Tonasa
Cement Packing Plant at Gudang Arang Ambon, which -- due to the conflict -- was
closed down in March 2000, but started functioning again last February.
Situation in Maluku improved: Senior minister (30/04/2003) #5411
The Jakarta Post, 4/29/2003 4:03:21 PM
AMBON, Maluku (JP): The Indonesian government hopes to resettle back in Maluku
this year the hundreds of thousands of people displaced in the sectarian conflict in the
eastern Indonesian province as the situation is now conducive for their return, a senior
minister has said.
US and Britain issue Indonesia travel warnings (30/04/2003) #5410
ABC AUSTRALIA, 29/04/2003 19:38:14
The United States and British Governments have issued renewed warnings to their
citizens against visiting Indonesia, after a series of recent bomb attacks.
Aceh rebels stick to independence target (30/04/2003) #5409
ABC AUSTRALIA, 29/04/2003 19:38:13
Separatist rebels in the Indonesian province of Aceh province say they are still willing
to hold talks with the Indonesian Government to try to save a peace pact.
Peace versus sovereignty (30/04/2003) #5408
The Jakarta Post, April 29, 2003
Which do we love more, peace or sovereignty?
This question came up when Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono addressed the problem of
Aceh last week. The chief security minister reportedly said: "Indonesians love peace,
but Indonesians value their sovereignty and territorial integrity even more."
More Jakarta bombings expected (29/04/2003) #5407
ABC AUSTRALIA, 29/04/2003
Defence analysts in Indonesia have warned of more bombings, following the third
attack in weeks last Sunday. Security has been stepped up across the country
following Sunday's bomb attack at Jakarta's international airport.
Moluccas: Difficult Reconciliation In Kasui (29/04/2003) #5403
MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 28/4/2003 11:46
Church/Religious Affairs, Standard. One may remember the Islamisation that --
starting towards the end of November 2000 -- took place on Kasui, a small island
South-East of Seram island, involving some 800 Christians.
Australian experts help police investigating bombings (29/04/2003) #5402
The Jakarta Post, 4/28/2003 12:26:52 PM
SYDNEY, (Agrncies): Australian bomb experts are in Indonesia investigating recent
terrorist attacks in Jakarta, Federal Police commissioner Mick Keelty said on
Monday.
Indonesia steps up travel security (29/04/2003) #5401
ABC AUSTRALIA, 28/04/2003 19:12:03
Indonesian police have tightened security at airports and seaports after a bombing at
Jakarta's international airport Sunday, which injured 11 people.
Flags Fly in Maluku (29/04/2003) #5400
LAKSAMANA.Net, April 27, 2003
Already beset by attempts to split off the country's outermost provinces, Aceh and
Papua, the government received an extra shock on April 25 when more than 200
separatist flags were flown in South Maluku.
Blast rocks Jakarta's airport (28/04/2003) #5399
The Jakarta Post, April 28, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. In less than a week, the second bomb attack hit the
capital with a blast at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on Sunday morning,
injuring 11 people, including a family of three.
Maluku remains calm following RMS anniversary (28/04/2003) #5398
The Jakarta Post, April 27, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The situation in Maluku is calm following the separatist
South Maluku Republic (RMS)'s 53rd anniversary on Friday, which saw the arrest of
more than 300 supporters of the outlawed group.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 365 (28/04/2003) #5397
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, April 26, 2003
ABUNDANCE OF RMS FLAGS – Notwithstanding stern warnings by the government,
an unprecedented large number of RMS flags was hoisted on the eve and during the
night of April 25, the 53rd commemoration of the founding of the RMS (Republik
Maluku Selatan / Movement for South Moluccas Independence), both in the city of
Ambon and in various villages and nearby islands. The total number may be close to
two hundred. Several hundred people were arrested. From the village of Aboru, island
of Haruku, more than a hundred people were detained and transferred to Ambon to be
interrogated on their connection with the FKM (Front Kedaulatan Maluku), which
promotes the RMS ideals.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 364 (28/04/2003) #5396
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, April 25, 2003
THE KASUI CASE – One may remember the islamisation that – starting towards the
end of November 2000 (Report 96 sqq., 132) – took place on Kasui, a small island
South-East of Seram island, involving some 800 Christians. Their forced islamisation
became world news then. Last February, a JRS team (JRS = Jesuit Refugee Service),
stationed in Ambon, went there to see whether the situation could be considered safe
enough for the Christians – most of whom now live as refugees spread over a number
of villages on the island of Kei Kecil – to return to their homesteads at Kasui (Report
354).
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 125 (28/04/2003) #5395
18 April - 25 April 2003
MALUKU * Ambon Ekspress quoted the Deputy Chief of Police of Maluku
(Wakapolda), Kombes Polisi Drs. A. Bambang Suedi, on Thursday (24 Apr.), saying
that in anticipation of the 25 April RMS Anniversary, Maluku Police office (Polda)
would deploy 400 police personnel in Ambon city to maintain the security. He also
said that in the suspected RMS bases of Kudamati and Aboru suburban areas, more
police personnel would be deployed to increase the security.
NORTH MALUKU * A local newspaper, Mimbar Kieraha, quoted the head of the
provincial Social Agency (Dinas Sosial or Dinsos), Moh. Helmy Rais, on Friday (25
Apr.), saying that his office did not distribute the money for life support and life safety
to 50% of 799 families (3,801 people), who are the recent Galela returnees. The
reason is that those people have been returned by the Government and received rice
assistance from Zipur-05 (TNI). They registered twice in order to get the money.
60 arrested to suppress RMS anniversary celebration (28/04/2003) #5394
The Jakarta Post, April 25, 2003
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian troops and police have arrested about 60 people to quell
attempts to mark a separatist anniversary on Friday in the eastern Maluku islands.
Indonesian troops suppress separatist celebration (28/04/2003) #5393
ABC AUSTRALIA, 25/04/2003 19:43:21
Indonesian troops and police have arrested about 60 people to quell attempts to mark
a separatist anniversary in the eastern Maluku islands.
RMS flags found hoisted in Ambon (28/04/2003) #5386
The Jakarta Post, April 24, 2003
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Police have found five flags of the separatist Republic of South
Maluku (RMS) hoisted in different areas here.
"Unsophisticated bom" explodes near UN building (28/04/2003) #5385
The Jakarta Post, April 24, 2003
JAKARTA (Agencies): A bomb exploded early Thursday in Central Jakarta close to
the United Nations office building but no one was hurt, Indonesian police confirmed.
FPI apologizes for 'kidnapping' chief (24/04/2003) #5375
The Jakarta Post, April 24, 2003
JAKARTA: The Islam Defenders' Front (FPI) said they were sorry for "kidnapping"
chief Habib Rizieq Shihab from the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office on Monday, saying it
was not planned beforehand and was done without the knowledge of his legal team.
No place for separatist movements in RI: Top minister (24/04/2003) #5374
The Jakarta Post, 4/23/2003 6:25:18 PM
JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Security and Political Affairs Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono reiterated here on Wednesday that there is no place for
separatist movements in the country -- in Aceh, Papua or Maluku.
Murderers praised by Indonesia's top soldier (24/04/2003) #5373
ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/04/2003 08:42:00
The Indonesian Army Chief has described seven Kopassus soldiers convicted of the
killing of a Papuan independence leader as heroes.
18 more JI members arrested (24/04/2003) #5371
The Jakarta Post, April 24, 2003
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The police reported more progress in their
counter-terrorism measures with the arrest of 18 more members of the regional terror
network Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), which will provide them with an opportunity to further
investigate a series of terror attacks in the past, including the bomb blasts in Bali and
Makassar.
Alleged new Jemaah Islamiah head arrested (24/04/2003) #5370
ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/04/2003 05:44:02
Indonesian police say they have arrested a man whom they have identified as the new
spiritual leader of the radical Islamic group, Jemaah Islamiah.
18 Jemaah Islamiyah Members Arrested (24/04/2003) #5369
LAKSAMANA.Net, April 23, 2003 11:33 PM
Laksamana.Net - Police have arrested 18 suspected members of the Jemaah
Islamiyah regional terrorism network, including the group's new spiritual leader, during
a series of raids over the past week. Officers also seized guns and explosives from
the militants' hideouts.
Aceh peace pact under threat (24/04/2003) #5366
ABC AUSTRALIA, 23/04/2003 22:49:02
The Indonesian government has threatened to pull out of a peace pact with Aceh
separatist rebels if talks in Geneva this weekend fail to settle disputes and conditions
in the war-torn province worsen.
Abu Bakar Bashir trial (24/04/2003) #5365
ABC AUSTRALIA, 23/04/2003 21:06:54
An angry crowd gathered outside the Jakarta courtroom where the Muslim cleric
who's been named as spiritual leader of the terrorist organisation Jemaah Islamiah
went on trial today. Despite Abu Bakar Bashir's reputation, none of the charges relate
to the Bali bombing. Instead he's been accused of crimes involving the bombing of
Christian churches, plans to attack priests and an aborted plot to assassinate
President Megawati Sukarnoputri.
After 'great escape', FPI chief now wallows in Salemba jail (23/04/2003) #5364
The Jakarta Post, April 23, 2003
Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Supporters of Islam Defender's Front
(FPI) chairman Habib Rizieq Shihab mortified the city police and the prosecutors's
office on Monday when they managed to whisk away Rizieq from the latter's offices on
Jl. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta, under the bewildered gaze of security officers.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 363 (23/04/2003) #5361
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, April 21, 2003
WEAPONRY CACHE UNCOVERED – In the late afternoon of April 17, a motorcyclist
and his duo-passenger were halted in the village of Passo, island of Ambon. They
turned out to be in the possession of a homemade bomb. The trail then let to a house
in the neighbourhood of Air Mata Cina, city of Ambon. Its owner, La Jumu, apparently
could escape timely and thus avoid being arrested. In his house the police found an
impressive stock of weaponry.
Soldiers given light sentences for killing (23/04/2003) #5356
Papua independence leader
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Monday April 21, 2003 4:52 PM
Four Indonesian special forces soldiers who killed a Papuan provincial leader while
trying to silence his calls for independence were jailed for between 36 and 42 months.
Suspected RMS rebels arrested in Ambon (21/04/2003) #5353
The Jakarta Post, April 21, 2003
Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku. The police arrested nine suspected
members of the South Maluku Republic (RMS) secessionist movement on Saturday,
including its alleged armed forces commander, just one week before the rebels
celebrate their anniversary on April 25.
FPI chairman arrested upon arrival at airport (21/04/2003) #5352
The Jakarta Post, April 21, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The city police arrested the chairman of the Islam
Defender's Front (FPI) radical group, Habib Rizieq Shihab, on Sunday as he arrived at
Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.
2,000 demonstrators turn up in Yogyakarta, calling for Jihad (21/04/2003) #5350
The Jakarta Post, 4/20/2003 4:48:35 PM
JAKARTA(JP): At least 2,000 people marched throughthe streets of Yogyajarta in
central Java on Sunday, calling for a holy war against the United States in one of the
largest protests here against the U.S.-led coalition in Iraq in recent weeks.
Security tightened in Maluku (21/04/2003) #5349
The Jakarta Post, April 19, 2003
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Authorities have tightened security
in Maluku province ahead of the anniversary of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS)
independence movement on April 24.
Indonesia: Death in Custody Increases Fear in Papua (21/04/2003) #5346
Human Rights Watch, April 17, 2003
(New York) - The death in Indonesian military custody of a Papuan man, Yapenas
Murib, needs an independent investigation, Human Rights Watch said today. Human
Rights Watch also called for outside access to other detainees in military custody
who might be at serious risk of ill-treatment.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 124 (18/04/2003) #5345
12 April - 17 April 2003
MALUKU * A local newspaper, Ambon Ekspress, reported on 11 April that a violent
stone throwing incident occurred between Hila IDPs in a camp at Hative village with
people from a neighbouring Riang sub-village of Baguala sub-district, Ambon Island.
No serious casualties or physical damage were reported. According to the military
area command, security apparatus secured the area and brought the situation under
control.
NORTH MALUKU * A local newspaper, Mimbar Kieraha, reported on 11 April that the
Provincial Government of North Maluku would start development of the new capital of
the province, Sofifi, which is located in North Oba sub-district of Central Halmahera
district. Construction of several infrastructures (i.e. offices of the Governor, Regional
People's Representative Council [DPRD] and other governmental departments) will
start on July 2003 by using the fund from the National and Provincial Budgets.
What you can do to help persecuted Christians in Indonesia (18/04/2003) #5344
Christianity Today Magazine, April 2003
By Jeff M. Sellers | posted 04/15/2003. A strange thing happened in Indonesia last
fall: The armed Islamic extremists who terrorized churches on the Maluku and
Sulawesi islands for nearly three years suddenly left.
RMS supporters warned of subversion (17/04/2003) #5341
The Jakarta Post, April 17, 2003
Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku. Maluku authorities renewed their
warning against the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement, saying
strong measures would be taken against those supporting for RMS and its affiliate,
the Maluku Sovereignty Forum (FKM), in observance of the separatist movement's
54th anniversary on April 24.
Moluccas: Alertness Towards Commemoration Of (17/04/2003) #5338
Declaration Of Independency
MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 15/4/2003 17:24
Politics/Economy, Standard. A state of alert has been proclaimed in Ambon
(administrative capital of the Moluccas archipelagos, Indonesia) in view of 25 April,
when the 53 commemoration of the declaration of independency of the South
Moluccas (RMS – Republik Maluku Selatan)will be celebrated).
Govt prepares for war in Aceh (16/04/2003) #5337
The Jakarta Post, April 16, 2003
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Despite the Free Aceh Movement's
commitment to participating in a proposed Joint Council meeting, the government has
begun to make preparations for a military operation in Aceh, an unpopular move that
has elicited strong opposition from various sides.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 362 (16/04/2003) #5336
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, April 15, 2003
ALERTNESS TOWARDS APRIL 25th – With the annual commemoration of the
declaration of independency of the South Moluccas (RMS / Republik Maluku Selatan)
coming into view, military and police forces will do their utmost to prevent any raising
of the RMS flag on that date, April 25th. No doubt the FKM is planning to hoist the
RMS flag on that occasion.
Amnesty investigates reports that Indonesian military (16/04/2003) #5334
tortured Papuans
The Jakarta Post, 4/15/2003 1:19:47 PM
JAKARTA (JP): Amnesty International said on Tuesday that Indonesian troops had
reportedly tortured villagers and torched homes during a hunt for separatist rebels in
Papua province.
Rights group presents evidence of Papua torture (16/04/2003) #5333
ABC AUSTRALIA, 15/04/2003 21:42:36
Human rights group Amnesty International says Indonesian troops reportedly tortured
villagers and torched homes ealier this month during a hunt for separatist rebels in
Papua province.
Amnesty slams Indonesia's "dishonest" Timor rights trials (16/04/2003) #5332
The Jakarta Post, 4/15/2003 12:52:49 PM
JAKARTA (JP): Amnesty International on Tuesday slammed Indonesia's trials of
suspects in the 1999 East Timor violence as "not honest, truthful or fair" and urged
the United Nations to consider setting up a tribunal.
Indonesian militant heads to Iraq (16/04/2003) #5331
CNN, Monday, April 14, 2003 Posted: 1301 GMT ( 9:01 PM HKT)
By Amy Chew. Special to CNN. JAKARTA, Indonesia -- A radical Indonesian Muslim
leader who called for a jihad against America in Iraq, has slipped out of the world's
largest MMuslim country.
Prosecutors formally charge Ba'asyir with treason (15/04/2003) #5330
The Jakarta Post, April 15, 2003
Agencies, Jakarta. Prosecutors submitted the dossiers of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir to the
Central Jakarta District Court on Monday and charged him with treason and
immigration violations.
Ambon mayor urges police to arrest residents (15/04/2003) #5329
who hoist separatist flags
The Jakarta Post, 4/14/2003 6:04:48 PM
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Ambon Mayor M.J. Papilaya instructed the police on Monday
to arrest any resident seen hoisting the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist flag
here.
Indonesian cleric charged over bomb attacks (15/04/2003) #5327
ABC AUSTRALIA, 14/04/2003 21:48:51
Prosecutors in Indonesia have charged Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Bashir of plotting
bomb attacks in Indonesia and Singapore.
Muslims plan to thwart rebel groups's celebration (14/04/2003) #5324
The Jakarta Post, April 14, 2003
Aziz Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku. The Muslim community in the Maluku
capital of Ambon have vowed to foil the planned anniversary celebration of the South
Maluku Republic (RMS) next week.
Minister increases Papua confusion (14/04/2003) #5323
The Jakarta Post, April 14, 2003
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua. Home affairs minister Hari
Sabarno has added to the confusion surrounding the partition of the autonomous
province of Papua into three provinces -- Papua, Central Irian Jaya, and West Irian
Jaya.
Indonesia's longest conflict in danger of flaring again (14/04/2003) #5322
ABC AUSTRALIA, 13/04/2003 12:23:41
Indonesia's longest conflict is in danger of breaking out again, just four months after a
peace agreement was signed.
Aceh: Chess Game with Military Hardliners (14/04/2003) #5321
LAKSAMANA.Net, April 13, 2003 01:17
Laksamana.Net - In the weeks to come, President Megawati Sukarnoputri will face a
crucial decision whether she will surrender to pressure from the military hardliners
trying to force her to take military action in putting down the separatism group the
Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
FKM defies Maluku authorities (14/04/2003) #5320
The Jakarta Post, April 12, 2003
Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku. The Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM),
affiliated with the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement, said 2,500
supporters would raise the RMS flag in observance of the group's 54th anniversary on
April 25, in defiance of the Maluku authorities.
Do not hoist separatist flag, TNI orders (14/04/2003) #5319
The Jakarta Post, April 11, 2003
AMBON (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) warned the separatist Maluku Sovereign
Front (FKM) on Friday not to hoist the flag of the South Maluku Republic to mark its
anniversary on April 25.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 123 (14/04/2003) #5318
5 - 11 April 2003
ACEH * According to local media reports 12 GAM members, 3 TNI soldiers, 1 police
personnel and 2 civilians were killed during the reporting week.
CENTRAL SULAWESI * The Jakarta Post quoted the Chief of the Central Sulawesi
Police, Brig. Gen. Taufik Ridha, on Monday (7 Apr.), saying that the situation in Poso
is still fragile since many people still possessed homemade arms and explosives.
MALUKU * During the reporting week, ICMC facilitated 6 meetings with
representatives (42 people) of some 100 displaced families from Bulla sub-district on
Seram Island, who are living in Ambon. These meetings are in preparation for
subsequent meetings with the District Administrator (Bupati) and Social Department
(Dinas Sosial) in Masohi town on Seram Island to seek ways for possible return and
integration with the resident community.
NORTH MALUKU * CORDAID sponsored a team from Khairun University of Ternate to
conduct survey on agriculture, fishery, and animal husbandry in Loloda, Ibu, Jailolo,
and Sahu sub-districts for its planned economic development programme based on
agriculture, fisheries and animal husbandry.
PAPUA * Cendrawasih Pos reported on Thursday (10 Apr.) that many crop fields in
floods-affected areas of Jayawijaya district were still inundated as water level of
Baliem river remain above the danger level.
No compromise with RMS: Officials (11/04/2003) #5317
The Jakarta Post, April 11, 2003
Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku. Maluku's acting governor Sinyo Harri
Sarundayang insisted that the civilian emergency authorities would not compromise
with the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement in the planned
observance of its 54th anniversary on April 25.
'Papua division create more tension' (11/04/2003) #5316
The Jakarta Post, April 11, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. A presidential instruction (Inpres) issued in January 2003
to divide Papua province into three parts has done more to create tension and turmoil
there than any government action in years, a nongovernmental organization warned.
Papuan leaders oppose any military operations (11/04/2003) #5315
The Jakarta Post, April 11, 2003
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua. Papuan religious leaders
have expressed regret over the deaths of two soldiers and an alleged separatist rebel
during the theft of weapons from a military base in Wamena last Friday, but called on
the central government not to use it as a reason to launch another military operation
in the province.
Govt signals war as GAM says no to Joint Council meet (11/04/2003) #5314
The Jakarta Post, April 07, 2003
Tiarma Siboro and Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Hope for a peaceful
solution to the Aceh issue faded on Thursday when the Free Aceh Movement (GAM)
declined to attend a Joint Council meeting to discuss violations of the Cessation of
Hostilities Agreement.
East Timor indicts five more people for 1999 atrocities (11/04/2003) #5313
The Jakarta Post, April 11, 2003
Berni K. Moestafa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Prosecutors in East Timor filed another
set of indictments at the Dili District Court over a spate of violent incidents in 1999,
but said they were still waiting for response from the court in regards charges made
against former Indonesian military chief Gen. (ret) General Wiranto.
Arabs Outside Iraq Stunned By Collapse (11/04/2003) #5310
Associated Press, Thursday, April 10, 2003
By JASPER MORTIMER, Associated Press Writer. CAIRO, Egypt - Arabs responded
Thursday to the sudden collapse of Saddam Hussein's government with anger, shock
and even disbelief. One newspaper refused to acknowledge that Baghdad had fallen.
Muslim hardliner fails to report to police, (10/04/2003) #5309
reported headed for Iraq
The Jakarta Post, March 29, 2003
JAKARTA (JP): A militant Muslim leader failed Thursday to report to police in
preparation for his trial, with supporters saying he had left for a "humanitarian mission"
in Iraq.
Papua tensions said to be increasing (10/04/2003) #5306
ABC AUSTRALIA, 10/04/2003 08:02:47
An international study group says a decision by Indonesia's President Megawati
Sukarnoputri to split restive Papua into three provinces has created serious tension
and could spark violence.
Plea to rebels from Papua leaders (10/04/2003) #5305
ABC AUSTRALIA, 10/04/2003 05:38:11
The Papua Presidium Council is appealing to Free Papua rebels to refrain from
attacking the Indonesian military so it can continue efforts to establish dialogue with
Jakarta.
Indonesia: Papua division creates tension and turmoil (10/04/2003) #5304
The International Crisis Group (ICG), 9 April 2003
Jakarta/Brussels, 9 April 2003: A new briefing paper published today by the
International Crisis Group, Dividing Papua: How Not To Do It*, a copy of which is
attached, is highly critical of a Presidential Instruction issued in Jakarta on 27 January
2003 to divide Papua, now one province, into three. Promulgation of the decree,
without any consultation with key Papuan leaders, has created serious tensions that
could result in violence – particularly as the 2004 elections approach.
Dividing Papua: How Not To Do It (10/04/2003) #5303
The International Crisis Group (ICG), 9 April 2003
A presidential instruction (Inpres) issued in January 2003 to divide Papua, Indonesia's
easternmost province, into three parts has done more to create tension and turmoil
there than any government action in years. The instruction undercuts a special
autonomy law passed by the parliament in November 2001 that assumed the province
to be a single territorial unit, and it has thrown Papua's administrative status into legal
limbo.
[Click here to view the full report as a PDF file in A4 format.]
Manila condemns attacks on Aceh peace monitors (10/04/2003) #5302
ABC AUSTRALIA, 09/04/2003 17:26:37
The Philippine government has condemned attacks on international peace monitors in
the Indonesian province of Aceh.
East Timor indicts 16 more Indonesians for war crimes (10/04/2003) #5301
Associated Press, Wednesday April 09, 2003
DILI, East Timor (AP) Prosecutors in East Timor indicted 16 Indonesian officials,
including eight military officers, for crimes against humanity allegedly committed
during the country's bloody bid for independence in 1999, a U.N. statement said.
West Papua: West Papuans debate way forward for (09/04/2003) #5299
freedom struggle
Green Left Weekly, April 9, 2003
HANS GEBZE is a West Papuan student based in Yogyakarta. He has been involved
in political struggle since before 1998. He is a secretary-general of the Alliance of
Papuan Students (AMP). Gebze spoke to Green Left Weekly's MAX LANE about the
West Papuan people's struggle for freedom.
U.S. Deplores Attacks on Security Monitors in Aceh (09/04/2003) #5298
Washington File, 08 April 2003
Following is the text of a statement released by the State Department April 7
deploring recent attacks on the offices of Joint Security Committee monitors
implementing the ceasefire in Aceh, Indonesia:
Prosecutors to charge Bali bombing suspects (09/04/2003) #5295
ABC AUSTRALIA, 09/04/2003 05:42:11
Indonesian police have brought nine more Bali bombing suspects before prosecutors,
in preparation for their trial.
9 killed in restive Aceh (09/04/2003) #5294
The Jakarta Post, 4/8/2003 5:45:40 PM
BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Nine people were killed in the Indonesian province of Aceh
Tuesday, in the worst day of violence since a peace pact was signed in December,
AP reported.
9 Bali bombing suspects brought to prosecutors before trial (09/04/2003) #5293
The Jakarta Post, 4/8/2003 6:04:20 PM
DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Indonesian police on Tuesday brought nine more Bali bombing
suspects before prosecutors in preparation for their trial and handed over evidence
including a handgun and several cars.
Philippine bomb investigators seek Indonesian suspects (09/04/2003) #5292
ABC AUSTRALIA, 08/04/2003 22:05:38
Authorities in the Philippines are working with Indonesian police to find those
responsible for two recent explosions in the southern Philippine city of Davao.
Maluku council prepares for gubernatorial election (08/04/2003) #5291
The Jakarta Post, April 08, 2003
Aziz Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku. The Maluku legislative council plans
to kick start the long-delayed gubernatorial election, which the council hopes will
result in the lifting of the state of civil emergency the province has been under for
almost three years.
Maluku, Poso remain 'unsettled' (08/04/2003) #5290
The Jakarta Post, April 07, 2003
Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon/Jakarta. Security authorities will continue to
disarm civilians in Maluku and Poso in anticipation of the 2004 general election and
the planned gubernatorial election in Maluku.
Army sends Kopassus back into Papua (08/04/2003) #5289
The Jakarta Post, April 07, 2003
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua. After a daring burglary at
the Wamena military district's arsenal on Friday in which two soldiers were killed and
29 rifles were stolen, 144 combat soldiers from the Army's Special Forces have been
deployed to hunt down those responsible.
Prosecution Fails to Produce Credible Witness in (08/04/2003) #5288
Damanik Trial
Jubilee Campaign USA, April 7, 2003
On March 31, the state court in Palu convened for its seventh session in the case of
Rev. Rinaldy Damanik, who is charged with the illegal possession of weapons
discovered during a search of his vehicle in the Poso district of Central Sulawesi in
Indonesia. The prosecution called its seventh witness, Sergeant Hasan, a military
leader. Of thirty-two scheduled witnesses, the prosecution has now called five
policemen and two members of the military; yet they have failed to produce a single
credible witness with any substantial evidence.
RI to lodge complaint against Vanuatu if OPM opens office (08/04/2003) #5287
The Jakarta Post, 4/7/2003 7:23:57 PM
JAKARTA (JP): The government warned on Monday that it would lodgea protest
against Vanuatu if the archipelago allowed the Free Papua Organization (OPM) to
open a representative office in its territory.
RP police include Indonesian extremists among suspects (08/04/2003) #5286
in deadly bomb
The Jakarta Post, 4/7/2003 6:02:28 PM
MANILA (Agencies): Philippines police are looking into the possible involvement of
Indonesians allegedly linked to the Muslim militant group Jama'ah Islamiyah in last
week's bombing that killed 16 people in the southern Philippines, an official said on
Monday.
Bush is a terrorist, says Indonesian VP (08/04/2003) #5285
ABC AUSTRALIA, 04/04/2003 23:02:40
Indonesia's vice president Hamzah Haz has lashed out at the US-led war against Iraq,
calling President George W Bush the "king of terrorists".
Indonesian VP labels Bush "king of terrorists" (08/04/2003) #5284
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Friday April 4, 2003
JAKARTA (AFP) - Indonesian Vice President Hamzah Haz lashed out Friday at the
US-led war against Iraq, calling President George W. Bush the "king of terrorists."
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 122 (07/04/2003) #5281
29 March - 4 April 2003
ACEH * According to local media reports, 5 GAM members, 2 civilians and 1 TNI
soldier were killed during the week.
MALUKU * demonstrations in Ambon city by students and members of the
community at the governor's office and other government offices, as well as the United
Nations building. The demonstrations were mainly protesting the war in Iraq, but one
demonstration was against the UN office's establishment in the province. The
demonstration was generally peaceful although damage was made to the UN front
perimeter wall including UN sign post.
NORTH MALUKU * A local newspaper, Mimbar Kieraha, reported on Thursday (3
Apr.) that the North Maluku Governor has appointed 5 government officials to be
installed in the newly created districts and municipality in North Maluku province as
acting Bupati and Mayor. They are Djidon Hangewa as acting Bupati of North
Halmahera district, Arif Y. Wahid as acting Bupati of South Halmahera district, Nurdin
Umasangaji as acting Bupati of Sula Island district, M.Nur Zauhari as acting Mayor of
Tidore Island Municipality, and Sudirman Gani as acting Bupati of East Halmahera
district. The official instalment ceremony will take place upon the arrival of the
Governor from Jakarta.
PAPUA * Radio New Zealand International reported on Monday (31 Mar.) that an
accidental discovery of an explosives cache in Papua has led to fears of covert militia
activity in the region. The concerns have been raised by tribal leaders in the coastal
town of Sorong, where police have arrested Muhamad Kova, a local businessman and
Islamic politician. Sorong's district police chief Failsa Abdul Nasir said Kova had been
taken into custody and faces up to 20 years in jail for allegedly storing 12 home-made
bombs in the warehouse of his cargo handling company. The Australian Associated
Press quoted police saying the businessman told them that he stored the explosive
for self protection. His lawyer denied that he was involved with any extremist groups
that have been established a presence in Sorong and other coastal towns of Papua in
recent years.
Police, AFP probe Medan bombing (04/04/2003) #5277
The Jakarta Post, April 04, 2003
Damar Harsanto and Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, Medan. Police said
on Thursday they were working with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) to investigate
two bombing incidents in North Sumatra, betting on AFP's advanced technology to
boost their chances of solving the cases.
Muslim hard-liner abducted, son says (04/04/2003) #5276
The Jakarta Post, April 03, 2003
JAKARTA: Abu Jihad alias Tengku Fauzi Hazdi Geudong, dubbed the Southeast
Asian leader of the terrorist network al Qaeda, has been abducted, his son said on
Tuesday.
Aceh activist missing (04/04/2003) #5275
ABC AUSTRALIA, 03/04/2003 16:17:24
Police in Indonesia say a Muslim hardliner believed to be close to the Jemaah
Islamiah terrorist network has been reported as missing.
JI hardliner 'abducted' (04/04/2003) #5274
The Australian, April 03, 2003
A MUSLIM hardliner believed to be close to some leaders of the Jemaah Islamiah (JI)
regional terrorist network has been reported abducted in the eastern Indonesian city of
Ambon, police have said.
"Stop All Efforts To Create Paramilitary Groups In Papua" (04/04/2003) #5268
MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 3/4/2003 20:01
Peace/Justice, Brief. Franciscans International (FI) today, delivered a statement
before the UN Commission on Human Rights, urging the Government of Indonesia to:
"stop at once" all efforts to create paramilitary groups in Papua, open a political
dialogue on history of Papuan integration, restore the national and international legal
standards, safeguard freedom of expression and constructively join in peace efforts.
Maluku Police Detective Allegedly Kidnaps Abu Jihad (04/04/2003) #5267
TEMPO, 2 Apr 2003 9:20:50 WIB
TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Abu Jihad alias Tengku Fauzi Hazdi Geudong, who is
allegedly involved in the Jamaah Islamiyah organization, was apparently kidnapped by
a detective in the Maluku Police, according to Abu Jihad's son, Lamkaruna, who was
speaking at the National Police Headquarters on Tuesday (1/4).
Another blast in Medan (03/04/2003) #5266
The Jakarta Post, April 03, 2003
MEDAN, North Sumatra: Following a bomb blast that damaged three cars at Medan
mayor's office on Monday, another homemade bomb exploded in Labuhan Deli, more
than 20 kilometers north of the city early on Tuesday, near a gas pipeline.
Papuan Anxiety Over Militias (03/04/2003) #5264
LAKSAMANA.Net, April 2, 2003 07:12 PM
Laksamana.Net - The discovery of a cache of explosives in Papua province has raised
concern over the presence of covert pro-Indonesia militias in the region.
Papua causes tensions between Jakarta and Vanuatu (03/04/2003) #5263
ABC AUSTRALIA, 02/04/2003 12:24:30
Indonesia has threatened to review diplomatic ties with Vanuatu over the issue of
independence for Papua province -- formerly known as Irian Jaya.
Australia: Indonesia-Vanuatu tension won't impact region (03/04/2003) #5262
ABC AUSTRALIA, 02/04/2003 16:20:51
Australia says tensions between Indonesia and Vanuatu does not have broader
implications for the South Pacific.
Vanuatu to resist Indonesian pressure over Papua (03/04/2003) #5261
ABC AUSTRALIA, 01/04/2003 14:16:07
Vanuatu's deputy Prime Minister Serge Vohor, says his country will not sell cattle to
Indonesia at the expense of Papua's Freedom
Homemade bomb explodes in Medan (02/04/2003) #5260
The Jakarta Post, April 02, 2003
MEDAN, North Sumatra: A homemade bomb placed in the backyard of the Medan
mayor's office exploded on Monday, damaging three cars parked in the compound.
Paramilitary dissolution urged (02/04/2003) #5259
The Jakarta Post, April 02, 2003
JAKARTA: The government has asked political parties and organizations to dissolve
their paramilitary units ahead of the 2004 general election, saying these groups
violated the principles of democracy.
Papua explosives find escalates militia fears (02/04/2003) #5258
ABC AUSTRALIA, 01/04/2003 19:04:48
Police in the Indonesian province of Papua say the accidental discovery of a cache of
illegal explosives has led to fears of covert militia activity in the region.
Indonesia wants Vanuatu to explain support for Papua (02/04/2003) #5256
ABC AUSTRALIA, 02/04/2003 08:28:22
Indonesia has expressed alarm at the opening of a Papuan People's office in Vanuatu.
Summary Indonesia Trip (02/04/2003) #5255
Jubilee Campaign USA, April 1, 2003
Sunday, March 09, 2003. The enthusiasm and anticipation as the team gathered was
intoxicating as Kie Eng Go, Jubilee USA's Indonesia coordinator, David Mundy, a new
attorney in my office handling primarily Jubilee projects, and I arrived at Jakarta. At
the hotel we met up with Matious Ho, a dear friend of Jubilee, who has participated in
all of our initiatives related to Indonesia.
Jubilee Campaign: Indonesian Pastor On Trial (02/04/2003) #5254
Shatter The Silence, Volume 7, Issue #3, March 31, 2003
Rinaldy Damanik, noted pastor and humanitarian aid worker, is on trial in Palu,
Indonesia on a dubious weapons possession charge. A Jubilee Campaign USA team
recently returned from a trip to Palu where they attended the first day of witness
testimony.
Sly militia activities fears (02/04/2003) #5252
Post-Courier Online [Papua New Guinea], Tuesday 1 April, 2003
JAKARTA: An accidental discovery of an explosives cache in Indonesia's Papua
province has led to fears of covert militia activity in the region.
US accuses Indonesian military over human rights (02/04/2003) #5251
ABC AUSTRALIA, 01/04/2003 22:33:28
The United States State Department says serious human rights abuses occured in
Indonesia last year.
Inquiry Shows Indonesian's Ties to Al Qaeda (02/04/2003) #5249
THE WASHINGTON POST, Saturday, March 29, 2003; Page A14
By Ellen Nakashima. Washington Post Foreign Service. PAMOKOLAN, Indonesia --
Long before he achieved notoriety as Hambali, the most wanted Islamic militant in
Southeast Asia, the man was known to his neighbors in this village as a youngster
who idealized America. He dreamed of rocketing into space like lunar pioneer Neil
Armstrong, of visiting the United States and seeing its powerful computers.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 361 (01/04/2003) #5247
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, March 31, 2003
CONFUSION AROUND THE RETURN OF REFUGEES – Last March 1, 108 families
should have returned to their homesteads in the Tobelo area, North Moluccas. Though
many had their sparse belongings ready at the side of road, nobody seems to care
any more about them, except that food supply has been stopped according to their
departure schedule. As reason of this delay is given that some data are still lacking,
others contend that it is simply a matter of poor coordination, whereas the Gamalama
Corruption Watch in Makassar points to considerable corruption in refugees aid funds.
Maluku is foreigner-free zone, says official (01/04/2003) #5246
The Jakarta Post, March 29, 2003
AMBON, Maluku, (JP): Maluku island in Indonesia's Maluku province has been
declared a foreigner-free zone, head of the provincial immigration office Wiryono said
here on Saturday.
Ambon: A Phantom Force (01/04/2003) #5245
TEMPO Magazine, No. 29/III/March 25 - 31, 2003
Gang leader Berthy has retracted a statement implicating the military in the sectarian
conflict in Ambon. BERTHY Loupatty, leader of the notorious Cowok Keren gang in
Ambon, was incensed. Pointing a blue pen at presiding judge Arwan Byrin of the
North Jakarta District Court, he shouted in anger: "They beat me and forced me to
sign a blank piece of paper!" Berthy was replying to a question by the judge whether
he had signed the police report implicating him in a series of violence in Ambon. He
named Adj. Insp. J.H. Latuheru, of the Maluku Police, as the officer who forced him to
sign the report. Latuheru denied the charge. Berthy, 36, appeared before the court on
Thursday as a witness in the trial of his colleague Boyke Laturette.
Berthy Loupatty: "Kopassus? They often asked me (01/04/2003) #5244
to get things done"
TEMPO Magazine, No. 29/III/March 25 - 31, 2003
ABNER Wemy Loupatty looked bitter when TEMPO interviewed him on Thursday.
TEMPO met the leader of the "Cool Dudes Gang," known as Berthy, 36, in the North
Jakarta Court detention cell before the court session began. Dressed in jeans and a
blue jacket, in a high-pitched voice he claimed to have been tortured in a police
interrogation, making him withdraw his confession. Excerpts from the interview:
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