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 November 2003

 



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Chronology of Malino Accord Violations in Poso - 2003 (28/11/2003) #6965
Ever since the Malino Accord in December 2001 there have been repeated provocative violations of the agreement. In January and February 2002 there were some promising signs that perhaps the Malino Accord could produce a lasting peace. Thousands of weapons, mainly hand-made, were handed in by both the Muslim and Christian communities and destroyed by the police. There were, however, serious concerns from the Christian community due to the absence of the organic or military issue weapons being handed in by the Laskar Jihad. Such weapons had been regularly seen being carried around the streets of Poso, during attacks on villages and even photographed at Jihad inspection posts on the main highway during November 2001.

Shooting, bombing heighten tensions in (28/11/2003) #6960
Indonesia's Poso district
ABC AUSTRALIA, 27/11/2003 18:46:59
A bombing and shooting have heightened tensions in Indonesia's religiously-divided Poso district during the Eid al-Fitr Islamic holiday.

Pan-African Group Urges Papua Referendum (28/11/2003) #6956
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 27, 2003 10:34 PM
Laksamana.Net - A group called the Pan-African Coalition for the Liberation of West Papua (PACLWP) has called on black communities around the world to help the people of Papua achieve self-determination.

50 Papuans Arrested for Raising Flags (28/11/2003) #6955
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 27, 2003 10:51 PM
Laksamana.Net - Police have reportedly arrested 50 people in Papua province for participating in ceremonies in which separatist flags were raised.

Indonesia arrests 50 Papuan separatists (28/11/2003) #6954
ABC AUSTRALIA, Thursday, November 27, 2003. 8:25pm (AEDT)
Indonesian police have arrested 50 people in the eastern-most province of Papua after they took part in a ceremony to raise a separatist flag.

Struggle over Indonesian schools (28/11/2003) #6953
Aljazeera.Net, Tuesday 25 November 2003, 19:49 Makka Time, 16:49 GMT
By Dianthus Saputra Estey in Jakarta. On his recent whirlwind visit to Jakarta, US president George Bush met Indonesian religious leaders and pledged $157 million over six years to improve the country's school system.

Bomb, village attack mar Idul Fitri in Poso (27/11/2003) #6951
The Jakarta Post, November 27, 2003
Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi. Tension marred the Idul Fitri celebration in Poso as a bomb exploded near a housing complex in Lawanga subdistrict early on Wednesday, just hours after a group of unidentified men opened fire in a neighboring village.

Bomb hits Poso, no casualties (27/11/2003) #6950
The Jakarta Post, 11/26/2003 5:15:34 PM
POSO (JP) : A low-explosive bomb was detonated in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi province, on Wednesday, causing panic among locals but no casualties were reported.

Australian politician warns of (27/11/2003) #6948
aggressive Islamic threat in Indonesia
The Jakarta Post, 11/26/2003 1:37:12 PM
SYDNEY (AFP) : Australia's most powerful Labor Party leader and the premier of its largest state has warned the country to prepare for the threat of an aggressive Islamic government in Indonesia.

Indonesian Islam 'a threat' (27/11/2003) #6947
Herald Sun [Melbourne], 26 Nov, 2003
INDONESIAN Islamists could represent a threat to Australia's future, NSW Premier Bob Carr said last night.

Rights body attacks Jakarta on Aceh media curbs (27/11/2003) #6946
The Age [Australia], November 26, 2003
By Matthew Moore. Indonesia Correspondent Jakarta. A US-based human rights group has criticised the Indonesian Government for "a pervasive pattern of intimidation, abuse and censorship of journalists" it says has been implemented to stop critical coverage of its war in Aceh.

INFID's Short News Overview No. 157 (27/11/2003) #6945
INFID, 26 November 2003
Bill on Religious Tolerance: A draft bill on "religious tolerance that would hand the government far greater powers to regulate religious affairs is soon to be tabled in parliament. The bill only reconises five religions and seeks to outlaw inter-religious marriage and inter-religious adoptions, and prohibits people from attending religious ceremonies of a different faith to their own. It also stipulates that places of worship can be established only with the permission of the government.

Indonesia could ban inter-religious marriages (27/11/2003) #6944
New Zealand Herald, 25.11.2003
Christian organisations may face curbs on preaching and people of different religions could be banned from marrying under laws being considered by Indonesia.

Block on Christian converts in Indonesia (27/11/2003) #6943
Herald Sun [Melbourne], 25 Nov, 2003
JAKARTA – Christian organisations may face curbs on preaching and people of different religions could be banned from marrying under controversial new laws being considered by Indonesia.

Bali bomb accomplices given reduced sentences (26/11/2003) #6940
as part of Eid al-Fitr
ABC AUSTRALIA, 26/11/2003 02:43:34
Seven men jailed in Indonesia for their relatively minor roles in the Bali bombings have received sentence reductions as part of an Eid al-Fitr holiday tradition.

Remissions for Tommy & 7 Linked to Bali Blasts (26/11/2003) #6939
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 25, 2003 09:49 PM
Laksamana.Net - Tommy Suharto, Bob Hasan and seven men jailed for providing assistance to the Bali nightclub bombers received sentence reductions on Tuesday (25/11/03) as part of the annual tradition of granting remissions to prisoners on the Islamic holiday of Idul Fitri.

Baasyir Blames Australia for Speech Ban (26/11/2003) #6938
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 25, 2003 06:46 PM
Laksamana.Net - Jailed radical Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Baasyir has blamed Australia for a decision by Indonesian authorities to ban him from making a speech critical of Jews, Christians and Americans during Idul Fitri prayers.

Ba'asyir barred by authorities from giving speech (26/11/2003) #6937
The Jakarta Post, 11/25/2003 3:19:51 PM
JAKARTA (AP): Authorities barred jailed Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir from giving a speech Tuesday in which he planned to accuse the United States, Christians and Jews of destroying Islam.

Indonesia: Trials underway into Suharto-era atrocities (25/11/2003) #6932
World Socialist Web Site, 24 November 2003
By John Roberts. Four trials have begun of 14 current and retired members of Indonesia’s armed forces (TNI) for a massacre carried out nearly 20 years ago, on September 12, 1984. Evidence emerging in the courts has the potential of becoming a political embarrassment, not only for the regime of President Megawati Sukarnoputri, who is closely aligned with the military, but with the American and Australian governments, both of which have moved to re-establish close ties with the TNI.

Seven rebels die in latest violence in Indonesia's Aceh (24/11/2003) #6927
ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/11/2003 08:10:43
The Indonesian military says its troops have killed seven suspected separatist rebels in clashes and raids in the troubled province of Aceh.

Gunshots fired in Indonesia's restive Poso district (24/11/2003) #6926
ABC AUSTRALIA, 23/11/2003 13:20:36
Tensions have risen after shooting was heard in the religiously divided Poso district of Indonesia's Central Sulawesi.

Review - Regions: Aceh Rights Abuses Alleged (24/11/2003) #6925
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 23, 2003 10:33 PM
Laksamana.Net - Lesley McCulloch, the Australian based researcher released in February after five months in an Aceh prison, last week claimed that Indonesia's 'military occupation' of the province has spawned grave human rights abuses and a humanitarian crisis.
Three Killed in Poso. National police chief General Da'i Bachtiar called Monday (17/11/03) for calm in Poso regency after thousands of Muslims rioted and killed three Christians following rumors that a Muslim man had been gunned down by police without warning.

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 155 (24/11/2003) #6924
15 - 21 November 2003
ACEH * During the week, local press reported that 7 civilians, one police officer, and 19 GAM members were killed as result of violent incidents in Aceh province.
CENTRAL SULAWESI * From 15 to 16 November, the Police arrested 2 suspects and shot dead a third suspect in connection with the attacks at Poso Pesisir last month. Several hundred persons from Tabalo village rioted in front of Police headquarter in Poso (Polres). Heavy defence was at the police station including Brimob and TNI forces.
MALUKU * Antara on Sunday (16 Nov.), quoted the Indonesian Navy Eastern Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Slamet Subiyanto, saying that with the opening of a major naval base in Ambon, the East Indonesia sea security task force in the Maluku provincial capital will have to be moved to Biak, Yapen Waropen district of Irian Jaya.
NORTH MALUKU * A local newspaper, Ternate Pos, reported on Wednesday (18 Nov.), that a bomb exploded at Tobelo harbour on Saturday evening (15 Nov.) and has injured four youngsters. One of the youngsters was seriously injured and the three others were slightly injured. The people of Tobelo do not seem affected by the explosion and carry on their activities normally.
PAPUA * The Jakarta Post reported on Saturday (15 Nov.), that the Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno installed on November 14 Brig. Gen. (ret) Abraham Octovianus Atururi as the governor of West Irian Jaya province, despite controversy over the status of the province. Atururi was inaugurated based on presidential decree No. 213/M dated November 11 2003, which followed a previous decree stipulating the creation of the province signed in January. His inauguration marks the official split of West Irian Jaya from Papua.
WEST TIMOR * The security in Larantuka of East Flores district is back to normal after a riot occurred on Saturday (15 Nov.) where a local district court and the public prosecutor's office were set ablaze. The riot started when a judge sentenced a local priest, Father Frans Amanue, to jail after he was found guilty of libeling the head of East Flores district, Felix Fernandez. Provincial police chief, Brig. Gen. Edward Aritonang, has sent 2 companies to back-up the local police. The total loss is estimated at around IDR. 5 billion. Police hold 2 suspects.

Review - Politics: Party Thugs (24/11/2003) #6923
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 23, 2003 10:38 PM
Laksamana.Net - President Megawati Sukarnoputri branded Tuesday (18/11/03) some members of her own party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P), as "thugs" who are out of touch with voters...
FPI Leader Freed. Muslim militant Habib Rizieq Shihab, leader of the Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI) was released from jail Wednesday (19/11/03) after serving a seven-month jail term.

Hundreds of fishermen in Java to be relocated (24/11/2003) #6922
(Creating more problems)
The Jakarta Post
, 11/22/2003
AMBON, Maluku (Antara): Hundreds of fishermen from the north coast of Java will soon be relocated to Southeast and Southwest Maluku districts, Maluku province, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Rochmin Dahuri said here on Friday. "The number of fishermen along Java's north coast is getting larger while their fishing grounds are becoming smaller, so relocation to Maluku is inevitable," Dahuri said.

Gunshots fired in restive Poso (24/11/2003) #6921
The Jakarta Post
, 11/22/2003
JAKARTA (AFP): Tensions have risen after shooting was heard over the past two nights in the religiously divided Poso district of Central Sulawesi, police there said Saturday. Residents in the villages of Matako and Lage in Poso reported they heard gunshots on Thursday and Friday nights, said district deputy police chief Rudi Trenggono.

Officials Fear New Attacks by Militants in Southeast Asia (24/11/2003) #6920
The New York Times, Saturday, November 22, 2003
By RAYMOND BONNER. MANILA, Nov. 22 — American officials in Southeast Asia are bracing for new terrorist attacks as they gather fresh information about Jemaah Islamiyah, the radical Islamic organization based in Indonesia.

Maluku refugees to be returned home (21/11/2003) #6915
The Jakarta Post, November 21, 2003
M. Azis Tunny and Andi Hajramurni, The Jakarta Post, Ambon/Makassar. The Maluku administration will next month repatriate around 1,000 families, comprising 5,102 people, currently taking refuge in several camps across the province to their homes in neighboring North Maluku, said officials.

INFID's Short News Overview No. 156 (21/11/2003) #6912
INFID, 20 November 2003
Papua: The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) said on Nov. 14 that based on preliminary findings the TNI committed gross abuses in Papua in 2001 and 2003, and that it would form a team to investigate the cases of rights abuse.

Samudra to appeal to Supreme Court (21/11/2003) #6911
The Jakarta Post, 11/20/2003 10:51:51 AM
JAKARTA (AFP): Convicted Bali bombing mastermind Imam Samudra will appeal to Supreme Court against his death sentence after an earlier appeal was rejected, one of his lawyers said Thursday.

Troops kill 10 Aceh rebels (21/11/2003) #6910
The Jakarta Post, 11/20/2003 3:56:07 PM
BANDA ACEH, Aceh (AFP): Indonesia's military on Thursday reported 10 more rebel deaths in Aceh, a day after the government put the province under military rule for another six months in hopes of crushing a separatist revolt.

Aceh military offensive moves into next six month stage (21/11/2003) #6909
ABC AUSTRALIA, 20/11/2003 12:51:00
Listen or Transcript
The Indonesian government's war against separatist rebels in Aceh has today entered its seventh month, with no end in sight to the bloodshed. Already some 16,000 have been killed in what has been described as Jakarta's biggest military operation in 25-years. Now President Megawati Sukarnoputri has extended martial law in Aceh and a new military chief has been installed, replacing the Australian-trained Major General Bambang Darmono. But with a virtual freeze on information coming out of Aceh - the real story of what's happening in the province remains murky.

Australia & America's Wicked Plan (21/11/2003) #6908
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 20, 2003 11:58 PM
Antara. Laksamana.Net - Following is the unedited text of an article by state news agency Antara, quoting an Islamic activist who suggests that Australia and the US could be planning mass murder in Indonesia. Seriously, we didn't make this up.

Gunmen launch attack on police post in Poso (20/11/2003) #6907
The Jakarta Post, November 20, 2003
Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi. Despite heightened security measures, gunmen launched a fresh attack early on Wednesday in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, further shattering almost a year of peace in the religiously divided province, police and activists said.

Samudra to appeal to Supreme Court (20/11/2003) #6906
The Jakarta Post, November 20, 2003
DENPASAR, Bali: Convicted Bali bomber Abdul Aziz, alias Imam Samudra, will challenge the provincial high court verdict upholding his death sentence, a lawyer said.

FPI leader released from prison (20/11/2003) #6905
The Jakarta Post, November 20, 2003
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) chairman Habib Rizieq Shihab was released from Salemba Penitentiary in Central Jakarta on Wednesday.

FPI Leader Released (20/11/2003) #6904
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 19, 2003 04:45 PM
Laksamana.Net - Habib Rizieq Shihab, leader of the radical Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI), was released from jail on Wednesday (19/11/03) after serving a seven-month sentence for ordering his militant followers to attack Jakarta nightspots.

Freed Muslim militant vows to keep attacking nightclubs (20/11/2003) #6903
The Sydney Morning Herald, November 19, 2003 - 3:32PM
A Muslim militant convicted of organising attacks on Jakarta nightclubs and restaurants was released from jail today, and vowed to carry on his campaign to rid the Indonesian capital of vice.

Asian Terror Chief Planning Attacks (20/11/2003) #6899
The Washington Times, Nov 19, 2003 8:09 AM EST
By STEVEN GUTKIN. Associated Press Writer. JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- The purported new military chief of a Southeast Asian terror group is among a handful of Indonesians in direct contact with al-Qaida and is now considered the most lethal terrorist in Asia, plotting fresh attacks in the region, officials told The Associated Press.

Poso falling back into cycle of violance (19/11/2003) #6897
The Jakarta Post, November 19, 2003
Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi. Security forces escorted public vehicles traveling through Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, following the disappearance of a civil servant and a wave of renewed violence, amid the deployment of reinforcement forces, Poso Police said on Tuesday.

Govt to revise conflicting laws on Papua (19/11/2003) #6896
The Jakarta Post, November 19, 2003
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The government plans to launch revisions of two conflicting laws on Papua -- Law No.45/1999 and Law No.21/2001 -- and is preparing the draft of a government regulation on the establishment of the long-awaited Papuan People's Assembly (MRP).

Governor tries to reconcile as East Flores remains tense (19/11/2003) #6895
The Jakarta Post, November 19, 2003
Yemris Fointuna and Jacob J. Herin, The Jakarta Post, Kupang/Flores. East Nusa Tenggara governor Piet A. Tallo met with local leaders, including religious leaders, in Larantuka Tuesday following the burning down of the town's courthouse and prosecutor's office on Saturday.

Jakarta body to issue fatwa on use of non-Islamic banks (19/11/2003) #6889
The Straits Times, Tuesday, November 18, 2003
By Devi Asmarani. JAKARTA - Indonesia's highest Islamic body, the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), plans to issue a fatwa, or religious decree, banning Muslims from investing in conventional banks that yield profits through interest rates.

Experts fear whitewashing in new Truth Commission (19/11/2003) #6888
The Jakarta Post, November 18, 2003
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Experts have expressed concern that a planned Truth and Reconciliation Commission will serve as a legal whitewash of past gross human rights abuses, allowing perpetrators to avoid prosecution.

Photographs focus on peace in Maluku province (18/11/2003) #6886
ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/11/2003 14:41:46
Christians and Muslims in Indonesia's Maluku islands are trying to learn again how to live with each other, almost 2 years after a peace accord ended years of bloody fighting. When Indonesian photographer Tantyo Bangun visited the city of Ambon two months ago, he was able to capture visual testaments of the first steps towards peace.
Click here to listen
Click here to read:  Tantyo Bangun: We still have some areas that still in conflict situation. And I think this documentation will be a good learning tools to other area that, within the civil society, if there is a will and there is interaction between them, I think the peace process is not impossible.

Police reinforcements arrive in Indonesia's (18/11/2003) #6885
Central Sulawesi province
ABC AUSTRALIA, 18/11/2003 16:52:58
Hundreds of police reinforcements have been sent to Indonesia's Sulawaesi island after sectarian clashes following the weekend murder of three Christians.

Police deploy 100 extra officers to Poso (18/11/2003) #6878
The Jakarta Post, November 18, 2003
Abdul Khalik and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The National Police has deployed another Mobile Brigade unit of 100 officers to Poso, Central Sulawesi, to join the 2,900-strong force already there following several violent incidents since Saturday that has claimed four lives.

Anti-separatist militias form in Aceh (18/11/2003) #6875
The Age [Australia], November 18, 2003
By Matthew Moore, Indonesia Correspondent, Lhokseumawe, Aceh. Pro-military groups critical of human rights activists are emerging in Indonesia's conflict-ridden Aceh province, raising fears of a resurgence of East Timor-style militias.

Navy to build security posts in Maluku (18/11/2003) #6874
The Jakarta Post, November 18, 2003
AMBON, Maluku: The Indonesian Navy is to build naval bases to monitor security on the borders with East Timor and Australia.

Suspects arrested over Flores riot (18/11/2003) #6873
The Jakarta Post, November 18, 2003
Yemris Fointuna and Jacob Herin, The Jakarta Post, Kupang/Flores. Police have arrested three men who took part in a riot in which a courthouse and a prosecutor's office were torched on Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, after a priest was convicted of libel.

Al Qaeda Affiliate Training Indonesians on Philippine Island (18/11/2003) #6871
The Washington Post, Monday, November 17, 2003
By Alan Sipress and Ellen Nakashima, Washington Post Foreign Service. Monday, November 17, 2003; Page A18. COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- A regional terrorist network linked to al Qaeda has continued to train its militants in the southern Philippines, aided by local Muslim separatists, police and intelligence sources said.

Troops on Alert Amid More C. Sulawesi Unrest (18/11/2003) #6870
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 17, 2003 11:57 PM
Laksamana.Net - Thousands of security personnel have been tasked to prevent religious violence in Central Sulawesi province from spreading after the weekend murder of three Christians.

Indon Navy to Build Security Posts at (18/11/2003) #6868
Maluku, E Timor Border
ANTARA, Monday, November 17, 2003 11:44:26 AM
Ambon - The Indonesian Navy will build naval security posts at the border of Maluku province and the tiny country of East Timor, the chief of its Eastern Fleet Command, Rear Adm Slamet Subiyanto, said here Monday.

Samudra's Death Sentence Appeal Rejected (18/11/2003) #6866
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 17, 2003 11:55 PM
Laksamana.Net - Imam Samudra, the Islamic radical who masterminded last year's Bali nightclub bombings, on Monday (17/11/03) lost his first appeal against the death sentence.

Bali bomb mastermind loses appeal against death sentence (18/11/2003) #6865
ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/11/2003 22:16:45
The man who masterminded the Bali bombings has lost his appeal in the high court against a death sentence.

Cleric warns Muslims linked to U.S. (18/11/2003) #6864
The Washington Times, November 17, 2003
By Sharon Behn, THE WASHINGTON TIMES. JAKARTA, Indonesia — The imprisoned Islamic cleric thought to be a guiding force behind the Indonesian terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah warned that all Muslim countries with close ties to the United States were targets for attack.

INFID's Short News Overview No. 155: November 7-12, 2003 (18/11/2003) #6863
INFID, 12 November 2003
Papua: Maj. Gen. Nurdin Zainal, chief of the Trikora military command overseeing Papua province has ordered his troops to be on the alert against possible attacks from the Free Papua Movement (OPM) ahead of the Dec. 1 Papua Independence Day and to shoot on sight any rioters.

Troops on alert in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province (17/11/2003) #6861
ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/11/2003 19:00:18
Thousands of troops are on alert to prevent fresh sectarian violence in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province after the weekend murder of three Christians.

Convicted Bali bomber gives evidence (17/11/2003) #6860
in support of another suspect
ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/11/2003 19:00:15
A key Bali bomber, who has already escaped the death penalty, has testified that another suspect on trial for his life did not assemble the biggest bomb.

Calls for investigation into treatment of Acehnese (17/11/2003) #6859
asylum seekers
ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/11/2003 19:00:17
Amnesty International has called for an investigation into reports that camp guards at a Malaysian detention centre beat up seven Acehnese asylum-seekers for refusing to be repatriated.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 401 (17/11/2003) #6858
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, November 17, 2003
STILL A LONG WAY TO REAL RECONCILIATION – Under the title "Fear hinders Maluku reconciliation after bloody Muslim-Christian conflict" we read on Channel News Asia the impression of a French journalist of Agence France Presse, which may well epitomize the present situation in Ambon. We provide some quotations from the article as follows: "Christians and Muslims in Indonesia's Maluku islands are trying to learn again how to live with each other, 21 months after a peace accord [ the Malino Agreement of February 12, 2002 ] ended three years of bloody fighting.

Angry crowd siege police after death of terror suspect (17/11/2003) #6856
The Jakarta Post, November 17, 2003
Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi. Poso Police headquarters was besieged on Sunday by thousands of people protesting the death of terrorist suspect Hamid Sudin, who was shot and killed by police attempting to arrest him in relation to the bloody attacks on three Christian villages in Central Sulawesi on Oct. 12.

Police still on high alert despite progress in Larantuka (17/11/2003) #6855
The Jakarta Post, November 17, 2003
Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. The security condition returned to normal in Larantuka, East Flores on Sunday, a day after thousands of angry residents burned down a district courthouse in response to the jailing of a local priest.

Maluku to leave House if not given extra seats (17/11/2003) #6854
The Jakarta Post, November 17, 2003
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku. The Maluku legislative council is pressing ahead with its demand that the eastern province's three seats at the House of Representatives be increased to six for the 2004 general elections, in accordance with existing regulations.

Activists rally behind Papua probe (17/11/2003) #6853
The Jakarta Post, November 17, 2003
Netty Dharma Somba and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/Jakarta. Papuan human rights activists said they were prepared to support the planned investigation by the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) into alleged atrocities in the province.

Fear hinders Maluku reconciliation (17/11/2003) #6852
after bloody Muslim-Christian conflict
Channel NewsAsia, 16 November 2003 1330 hrs
AMBON, Indonesia, : Christians and Muslims in Indonesia's Maluku islands are trying to learn again how to live with each other, 21 months after a peace accord ended three years of bloody fighting.

The Spice Garden: A proxy clash of civilizations (17/11/2003) #6851
The Jakarta Post, November 16, 2003
Rich Simons, Contributor, Jakarta. The Spice Garden Michael Vatikiotis, Equinox Publishing, Jakarta, 2003 253 pp. Not too long ago (about four years, to be exact) and not too far away, there was an idyllic tropical isle called Noli, where the gentle fisher folk lived in almost perfect harmony and peace, with nature and themselves.

Review - Regions: New Aceh War Phase (17/11/2003) #6850
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 16, 2003 10:06 PM
Laksamana.Net - Though deploying 35,000 troops, the government and the military (TNI) have been disillusioned after promising a quick war against an original strength of 5,225, rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM) fighters. The military claim there are only 2,665 left with 1,683 firearms.

Three dead in restive Poso, two suspects of attacks arrested (17/11/2003) #6849
The Jakarta Post, 11/16/2003 4:10:19 PM
JAKARTA (AFP): Three people were killed in the latest violence in Indonesia's restive Poso district in Central Sulawesi while two suspected assailants in a bloody Oct. 12 attack on three villages were captured alive, police said Sunday.

Mob burns down courthouse after priest sentenced (17/11/2003) #6848
The Jakarta Post, November 16, 2003
Jemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. Thousands of local residents set ablaze a district courthouse on Flores Island on Saturday, shortly after a judge declared guilty a local Catholic leader in a defamation case.

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 154 (17/11/2003) #6846
8 - 14 November 2003
ACEH * Various local press reported that 5 civilians, one TNI soldier, and 33 GAM members were killed as a result of violent incidents in Aceh province during the week.
CENTRAL SULAWESI * A local newspaper, Radar Sulteng, reported on Wednesday (12 Nov.), that a bomb exploded in Tentena on Tuesday (11 Nov.) at 11:45 local time at a representative of Omega company. No casualties were reported and local police confirmed that it was only a low explosive bomb.
MALUKU * A local newspaper Ambon Ekspress reported on Monday (10 Nov.), that two inter communal acts of violence occurred on Ambon Island on 8 and 9 November. Two kiosks were destroyed. The situation is now under control and police investigations are underway.
NORTH MALUKU * The Provincial Office of Social Department reported that 375 returnee families from Bitung of North Sulawesi arrived on Thursday (13 Nov.) with KM Raflesia vessel in Ahmad Yani Harbor in Ternate.
PAPUA * A local newspaper, Cenderawasih Pos, reported on Tuesday (11 Nov.), that five people were killed and one was missing during an attack by a OPM group led by Titus Murib in Sugapa of Paniai district last week. On Monday (10 Nov.), a team from BRIMOB was deployed to the area to search for the attackers.

Fourteen policemen arrested in Ambon for alleged murder (17/11/2003) #6845
The Jakarta Post
, November 14, 2003
AMBON, Maluku (ANTARA): Fourteen policemen linked to the fatal beating of a 17-year-old suspected thief, have been detained, police in the eastern Indonesian city of Ambon confirmed on Friday.

Indonesia denies it agreed to (17/11/2003) #6844
Australia's asylum seeker expulsion plan
ABC AUSTRALIA, 14/11/2003 22:13:59
The Indonesian Government claims it was assured by Australian authorities that 14 Kurdish asylum seekers towed aboard a boat out of Australian waters last week would be directed back to their own homeland.

Fugitive terrorist may attack 6 months after Marriott blast (14/11/2003) #6842
The Jakarta Post, November 14, 2003
Tiarma Siboro and Abdul Khalik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Thursday that fugitive Malaysian terror suspect Dr. Azahari bin Husin was planning an attack in early February to mark the six-month anniversary of the JW Marriott hotel bombing in Jakarta.

Indonesia confirms terror target list for Jakarta (14/11/2003) #6841
ABC AUSTRALIA, 14/11/2003 05:21:42
Indonesia's national police chief has confirmed the existence of a terrorist target list, found in the hideout of the suicide bomber responsible for the Marriott Hotel attack in Jakarta earlier this year.

Police smash up Theys memorial, tension increases (14/11/2003) #6837
The Jakarta Post, November 14, 2003
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post , Jayapura, Papua. Defying protests from local Papuans, the Papuan Police demolished on Thursday a large billboard erected next to a monument commemorating the death of Papua Presidium Council (PDP) chairman Theys Hiyo Eluay in the Entrop area, South Jayapura.

Horror behind Aceh's closed door (14/11/2003) #6836
ASIA TIMES, November 14, 2003
By Lesley McCulloch. It is too easy for the world to forget Aceh, an embattled, silent and closed province in the northwest of Indonesia. The reason is simple: international journalists are prevented from entering legally and the local media are either embedded in the military or attacked - even kidnapped - when attempting to work independently.

Australia concedes expelled Turkish Kurds sought asylum (14/11/2003) #6835
ABC AUSTRALIA, 14/11/2003 02:15:53
The Australian Government has conceded a group of Turkish Kurds towed out of Australian waters last week did ask for refugee protection.

Terrorists may soon strike again: Police (13/11/2003) #6828
The Jakarta Post, November 13, 2003
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Police issued a fresh warning on Wednesday asking operators and owners of buildings in the capital to beware of possible terrorist attacks, adding that terrorists might strike again soon.

Police know of Azahari and Noordin hideouts: Police chief (13/11/2003) #6827
The Jakarta Post, November 13, 2003
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Wednesday the police were waiting for the right time to capture prime terror suspects Azahari and Noordin Moch. Top as their hideouts had already been identified.

First suspect in Marriott bombing stands trial (13/11/2003) #6826
The Jakarta Post, November 13, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Sardona Siliwangi, 23, a man linked to the JW Marriott Hotel bombing on Aug. 5 that killed 12 people and injured 147, went on trial in the Bengkulu District Court on Wednesday.

Suspect on Trial Over Marriott Bombing (13/11/2003) #6824
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 12, 2003 11:57 PM
Laksamana.Net - The first suspect in the August 5 bombing of Jakarta's JW Marriott Hotel went on trial in Sumatra on Wednesday (12/11/03) and could face the death penalty for allegedly storing explosives used in the attack that killed 12 people and injured 150.

Jakarta court told of strong case against alleged JI chief (13/11/2003) #6821
ABC AUSTRALIA, 12/11/2003 22:44:31
Indonesian prosecutors have said in court they have a strong case against the alleged caretaker leader of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror group, Abu Rusdan.

Bomb hits Poso, no casualties (12/11/2003) #6814
The Jakarta Post, November 12, 2003
Irvan NR, The Jakarta Post, Poso, Central Sulawesi. A low-explosive bomb ripped through an office belonging to bus company PT Omega on Tuesday in Tentena, Poso, causing panic among locals. No fatalities were reported.

Papuans commemorate death of Theys (12/11/2003) #6813
The Jakarta Post, November 12, 2003
Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua. Members of the Papuan Presidium Council (PDP) commemorated here on Tuesday the death of former charismatic PDP chairman Theys Hiyo Eluay, who was killed two years ago by Indonesian military personnel.

Martial law in Aceh serves military well (12/11/2003) #6811
The Jakarta Post, November 12, 2003
Otto Syamsuddin Ishak, Sociologist, Jakarta. The government has prioritized the extension of martial law over an evaluation of achievements made in the last six months. One could ask in jest: What party would most potentially be in a state of emergency after Nov. 19, 2003? Would it be Aceh or Indonesia, or perhaps the military, in connection with the behavior of many of its personnel during the military operation?

Turkish Kurds stand by refugee claim (12/11/2003) #6810
ABC AUSTRALIA, 12/11/2003 08:22:31
One of 14 Turkish Kurds now being held at an immigration detention centre in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, has repeated a claim that the group told Australian officials they were refugees after sailing to Melville Island.

Expelled Kurds arrive in Jakarta (12/11/2003) #6809
ABC AUSTRALIA, 12/11/2003 05:09:40
Fourteen Turkish Kurds, whose vessel was expelled from Australian waters, have arrived in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, after being flown in from the remote east of the country.

Police Mobile Brigade Dispatched to Maluku Province (12/11/2003) #6806
ANTARA, Tuesday, November 11, 2003 10:52:16 PM
Semarang - A company of Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) members has been dispatched to the Province of Maluku to carry out the ninth Mutiara (diamond) Operation 2003.

Nine suspected GAM members killed in Aceh (12/11/2003) #6805
The Jakarta Post, 11/11/2003 6:32:57 PM
BANDA ACEH (Agencies) : Nine suspected members of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) were killed during firefight in the last two days in several districts in Aceh province, the military said.

Indonesia accepts Kurdish boat people, seeks UN help (11/11/2003) #6804
The Jakarta Post, November 11, 2003
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post , Jakarta. Indonesia is ready to take 14 boat people back who were refused entry to Australia, but will not allow them to settle in the country, a minister said on Monday.

Christian Separatist Leaders Released (11/11/2003) #6800
MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 10/11/2003 10:00
Christian separatist leaders Alex Manuputty and Semmy Waeleruny, active in the Indonesian archipelago of the Moluccas, have been released from prison in Jakarta following the expiry of the maximum term of remand detention. The news comes from the Crisis Centre in the Catholic diocese of Ambon.

Maluku pro-independence leaders freed on (11/11/2003) #6799
expiry of detention warrants
Channel NewsAsia, 10 November 2003 1304 hrs
JAKARTA, : Two Indonesian separatist leaders who had been held in jail pending an appeal against jail terms for subversion have been released after detention warrants expired, a report said Monday.

RI to move asylum-seekers to Ambon for (11/11/2003) #6798
immigration processing
The Jakarta Post, 11/10/2003 1:52:59 PM
JAKARTA (AFP) : A boatload of asylum-seekers who landed in an eastern Indonesian island after being controversially turned back by the Australian navy will be transferred to another island for immigration processing, police said on Monday.

Indonesia to move asylum seekers to Ambon (11/11/2003) #6797
ABC AUSTRALIA, Mon, 10 Nov 2003 16:09
Indonesian police say a boatload of suspected asylum seekers who landed in an eastern Indonesian island after being controversially turned back by the Australian Navy will be transferred to another island for immigration processing.

Indonesia not to grant refuge to asylum-seekers (11/11/2003) #6796
turned away by Australia
Channel NewsAsia, 10 November 2003 1550 hrs
JAKARTA, : A boatload of asylum-seekers controversially turned away from Australia will not be allowed to settle in Indonesia, top welfare minister Yusuf Kalla said.

Indonesia bans commemoration of separatist day in Papua (11/11/2003) #6795
ABC AUSTRALIA, Monday, November 10, 2003. 11:00pm
Indonesian authorities have formally banned any attempts by separatists in Papua province to mark the December 1 anniversary of an independence proclamation, police said.

Review - Regions: 'GAM Still Strong' (11/11/2003) #6793
LAKSAMANA.Net, November 9, 2003 11:56 PM
Laksamana.Net - Military rule for six months and a huge offensive involving 40,000 troops and police has yet to 'crush' the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
Kopassus Back in Action: Some 50 commandos from the elite Special Forces (Kopassus) and local troops ambushed suspected members of the Free Papua Movement (OPM) during a pre-dawn "sweeping operation" on Wednesday (5/11/03) near Yalengga village, in Jayawijaya regency in the mountains of central Papua.

Brief: Indonesian National Chief of Police Da'i Bachtiar (11/11/2003) #6792
USINDO Open Forum,
October 16, 2003
The Indonesian national chief of police, Da'i Bachtiar, presented a cautiously optimistic assessment of police accomplishments after three turbulent years since the police were separated from the military in 2001 and charged with maintaining internal security. His talk to a USINDO audience on October 16 was delivered from a prepared text in English. He fielded questions through an interpreter who accompanied him.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 400 (10/11/2003) #6791
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, November 9, 2003
WITHDRAWAL MILITARY FORCES POSTPONED – Since last September the Civil Emergency for the Moluccas was lifted, the responsibility for law and order has been returned to the Police. However, it has been decided that up to May 2004, five battalions of military forces will be maintained in the Moluccas and North Moluccas to back up the police forces. Thus was declared to the mass media by Moluccas Military Chief Commander Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 399 (10/11/2003) #6790
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, November 8, 2003
PERSISTING RUMOURS – Rumours of renewed conflict have not abated yet. In this context the police has introduced on local TV a daily report on any criminal acts being perpetrated in Ambon and on surrounding islands and its being dealt with by the police, in order to clarify on each act of criminality, disconnecting it with any interreligious strife. Besides, nocturnal patrol by the police is being intensified, especially in and around the city of Ambon.

The Perils of Private Security in Indonesia: (10/11/2003) #6789
Guards and Militias on Bali and Lombok
The International Crisis Group (ICG), 7 November 2003
Jakarta/Brussels, 7 November 2003: Untrained, unaccountable, and politically affiliated private security forces in Indonesia have the potential to cause conflict in the run-up to the 2004 elections. The International Crisis Group's latest report,
The Perils of Private Security in Indonesia: Guards and Militias on Bali and Lombok,* focuses on civilian security groups on these two neighbouring islands, examining how they arose to carry out protection and crime-fighting functions that the police were unable or unwilling to undertake. Their existence, however, serves to weaken police credibility and undermines the state as the final guarantor of security in a democratising country.

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 153 (10/11/2003) #6788
1 - 7 November 2003
ACEH * Various local press reported that 6 civilians and 9 GAM members were killed as a result of violent incidents in Aceh province during the week.
MALUKU * Kompas quoted the Head of Police for Maluku, Brig. Gen. Bambang Sutrisno, on Wednesday (5 Nov.), saying that since the security situation in Maluku has changed to normal, 94 hand made bombs and 77 other hand made weapons have been handed over to security apparatus.
NORTH MALUKU * A local newspaper, Malut Pos, reported on Tuesday (4 Nov.), that a quarrel over use of a water source occurred in Loloda sub-district on Saturday (1 Nov.) between youngsters from a Christian village, Buo, and a Muslim village, Soasio, (Moslim village). Both young groups were brought to the local police office by to settle the problem. On Sunday (2 Nov.), about 50 people from Buo village came to Soasio village and throw stones to the housing complex. The stones unintentionally hit a nearby mosque. The Provincial Government has appointed a team to facilitate a dialogue between two communities.
PAPUA * The Jakarta Post reported that TNI personnel shot 10 Papuan rebels in a predawn raid on Wednesday (5 Nov.) in Jayawijaya district, about 650 kilometers west of Jayapura, the capital of Papua. The TNI personnel also seized from the rebels three M-16 rifles, one revolver, one Mouser rifle, thousands of cullets and a number of documents concerning the Papua Free Movement's fight for independence.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 398 (10/11/2003) #6787
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, November 5, 2003
TOTAL DEATH-TOLL RABIES: 20 – Jakarta based "Kompas" daily newspaper reports that from August up to the end of October 2003, 1.050 people in the Moluccas have reported to have been bitten by dogs. The number of people that have consequently died has reached the extraordinary number of twenty. Thus was confirmed by the Provincial Agricultural Department on occasion of a coordinating meeting between various responsible institutions and bodies in Ambon on November 4.

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 152 (10/11/2003) #6785
25 - 31 October 2003
CENTRAL SULAWESI * From 20 to 21 October, CWS distributed food in South Pamona sub-district (covering Korobono, Pendolo, Boe, Pandayora, Uelene and Mayoa villages). A total of 4,930 kg of red beans, 2,465 kg of vegetable oil and 24,450 kg of rice were distributed to 493 families.
MALUKU * CARDI staff visited two schools in Kemal village on Seram Island to conduct meetings and discussions on children and youth activities with the local community. Most urgent needs of the school include classrooms, sports as well as water and sanitation facilities.
NORTH MALUKU * WVI distributed the 4th edition of its magazine to 43 elementary schools in Tobelo, Galela, Kao and Malifut sub-district from 22 to 28 October.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 397 (10/11/2003) #6784
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, October 31, 2003
HAND-OVER OF WEAPONRY – During the month of October, 2003, on four occasions weapons, ammunition and grenades have been handed over by civilians to the armed forces, mostly in secret ways, without disclosing people's identity. The latest was a surrender of 22 (twenty-two) homemade bombs and two standard rifles. The latter apparently orginally came from the weaponry storage buildings of the Brimob Police Headquarters at Tantui. which was looted and consequently burned on June 21-22, 2000.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 396 (10/11/2003) #6783
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, October 28, 2003
UNPLEASANT RUMOURS – In the city of Ambon rumours are spreading that renewed conflict is at hand. For instance it was said that there was a conflict between military and police personnel in the village of Rutong, South coast of the island of Ambon; upon checking, however, this proved to be untrue. Others said that on certain places masses were gathering.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 395 (10/11/2003) #6782
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, October 25, 2003
CENTENARY MSC PRESENCE IN THE MOLUCCAS – Catholic presence in the Moluccas in recent times was initiated in the Kei Islands in 1888 by the Jesuit Order. On November 28, 1903 the MSC Congregation took over. MSC stands for Missionarii Sacratissimi Cordis = Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. In Ambon city, the centennial celebration took place in the afternoon and evening of October 21st and was celebrated in close brotherhood with the Protestant and Muslim Communities, culminating in a festive Mass in the large Lapangan Merdeka (city square), attended by several thousands.

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 151 (10/11/2003) #6781
18 - 24 October 2003
MALUKU * According to a local newspaper, Info Baru, on Monday (20 Oct.), approximately 200 students from a local Moslem students organization (KAMMI) protested in front of the City Council urging the Police to stop prostitution, gambling, and distribution of alcohol in Ambon. The demonstration was peaceful and orderly.
NORTH MALUKU * WVI monitored activities in 4 Happy Houses in Tobelo and Galela sub-districts on 16 and 21 October.
 

 Index of Previous News

 

News up to 22 May 2002 (Kariu67)

News October 2003 (Latoehalat)

News April #2 & May #1 2002 (Kariu67)

News September 2003 (Amahoesoe)

News April 2002 (1) (Kariu67)

News August 2003 (Amahoesoe)

News March 2002 (Waai67)

News July 2003 (Amahoesoe)

News February 2002 (Waai67)

News June 2003 (Nusanive)

News January 2002 (Waai67)

News May 2003 (Nusanive)

News December 2001 (Waai67)

News April 2003 (Batu_Capeu)

News October 2001 (Baguala67)

News March 2003 (Batu_Capeu)

News November 2001 (Baguala67)

News February 2003 (Batu_Capeu)

News September 2001 (Baguala67)

News January 2003 (Kesui2001)

News August 2001 (Naulu67)

News December 2002 (Kesui2001)

News July 2001 (Naulu67)

News November 2002 (Kesui2001)

News June 2001 (Naulu67)

News October 2002 #1 (Soija2002)

News May 2001 (Arumbaikole)

News September 2002 (Soija2002)

News April 2001 (Arumbaikole)

News August 2002 (Unpatti67)

News March 2001 (Arumbaikole)

News July 2002 (Unpatti67)

News February 2001 (Arumbaikole)

News June 2002 #2 (Unpatti67)

News from 31st December 2000 - 31st January 2001 (Maluku67)

News June 2002 #1 (Unpatti67)

News from 11st - 31st December 2000 (Maluku67)

News up to 31 May 2002 (Unpatti67)

News from 1-11st December 2000 (Ambon67)


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