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, December 26, 2002
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS - Report No. 339
1. ON THE BAN ON FOREIGNERS TO ENTER THE MOLUCCAS – "The Jakarta
Post" reports that since the ban on foreigners entering the Moluccas – specifically
Ambon and nearby islands – was put into effect last April, 67 persons were rejected,
whereas 418 persons were given special permission to enter the area. Most of these
latter were personnel of international NGO-s or employees of foreign companies. We
heard Acting Governor Sinyo Harry Sarundayang declare on local TV last week that
he will possibly try to ease the process of the issuing of entry permits for foreigners.
2. LAND OWNERSHIP POTENTIAL SOURCE OF RENEWED CONFLICT – Town
Mayor Papilaya and leader of the Christian Malino-delegation Tony Pariela see
disputes on IDP-s' property rights on land and houses as a potential source of new
conflict. There have also been illegal building activities on other people's terrains. It will
be extremely difficult to settle disputes on these sensitive issues.
3. MUSLIM ABUSED BY CHRISTIAN – Like during the recent Idul-Fitri celebration
(end of the Ramadan) Christians went to visit Muslims, likewise on Christmas there
are Muslims visiting Christians. However, a Muslim young man - upon leaving the
house of a Christian family in Batugajah, city of Ambon, today - was attacked by a
Christian, causing the victim to be injured at his head and arms. The victim was then
taken to the nearby GPM hospital for treatment of the inflicted wounds. The incident
was immediately known all over the town. We learned that – as one of its results –
the throughfare of Galunggung – again – cannot be passed safely now by Christians.
According to the police the incident should be looked upon as an ordinar criminal act
and has no connection with interreligious strife. The culprit has been arrested by the
police.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina |
