CRISIS CENTRE DIOCESE OF AMBOINA
Jalan Pattimura 32 -- Ambon 97124 -- Indonesia
Tel 0062 (0)911 342195 Fax 0062 (0)911 355337
E-mail: crisiscentre01@hotmail.com
Ambon, November 4, 2005
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 491
1. SECURITY MEASURES – In the wake of the recent nefarious killing and beheading
of three 16-years-old christian schoolgirls in the troubled Poso area, Central Celebes,
the police, enforced by military forces, have stepped up safety measures in Ambon.
On October 31, all vehicles entering and leaving the city of Ambon were halted and
searched on any weaponry, whereas every driver or passenger was demanded to
show his or her identity card. Police Precinct Chief Leonidas Braksan declared that
these measures were taken because of rumours being spread that Ambon was to be
the next target of terrorist activity. During the razzia, several sharp weapons and one
fire weapon were confiscated.
2. SEVEN CHRISTIAN TEACHERS APPOINTED AT MUSLIM SCHOOL – In the
context of further abandoning of any barriers between christians and muslims, the
government has made a start with appointing christian teachers at muslim schools
and vice versa. Thus recently seven christian teachers were assigned to a
Muhammadiah School in Ambon.
3. BOMB EXPLOSION – A bomb exploded near a protestant church on the Jalan
Diponegoro, Ambon, at 3.30 a.m. last Thursday, 3 November. However the blast did
not result in any casualties. Although it left only a small hole in the road, the blast
could be heard two kilometers away.
4. JOYFUL IDUL FITRI CELEBRATION – Apart from this bomb explosion the whole
celebration ending the month of Ramadhan, went smoothly and joyfully. The takbir
parade went undisturbed through islam and christian neighbourhoods alike.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina |