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 October 2003

 



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'Still a lot of animosity in Poso' (24/10/2003) #6780
The Jakarta Post, October 24, 2003
Damar Harsanto and Zakki Hakim, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Police said on Thursday that they found it difficult to put an end to religious conflict in Poso, Central Sulawesi, as the warring parties were full of vengeance resulting from past conflicts.

Police find 600 kgs of chemical explosive (24/10/2003) #6778
component in Palu, C. Sulawesi
The Jakarta Post, 10/23/2003 3:18:56 PM
JAKARTA (Agencies): Police said Thursday they had found 600 kilograms (1,320 pounds) of ammonium nitrate, a chemical used in explosives and fertilizers, at a house in Palu, the capital of Central Sulawesi province.

Seven reported killed in Aceh violence (24/10/2003) #6775
ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/10/2003 09:27:57
Reports from Indonesia's Aceh province say another seven people have died in the military crackdown on separatist rebels.

Kopassus Chief on Trial for Priok Massacre (24/10/2003) #6774
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 23, 2003 11:58 PM
Laksamana.Net - Army Special Forces (Kopassus) chief Major General Sriyanto Muntarsan on Thursday (23/10/03) went on trial for gross violations of human rights over the slaughter of Muslim protesters at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok port 19 years ago.

Indonesian special forces chief on trial for crimes (24/10/2003) #6773
against humanity
ABC AUSTRALIA, 23/10/2003 23:00:24
Indonesia's special forces chief has gone on trial for gross human rights violations linked to the shooting of a crowd of Muslim protesters 19 years ago.

Bush Backs Off Jakarta Military Ties (24/10/2003) #6772
Australian Financial Review, Thursday, October 23, 2003
By Andrew Burrell. Jakarta - US President George Bush yesterday backtracked from a promise to renew military ties with Indonesia, telling President Megawati Soekarnoputri in Bali the US Congress would not support the move.

Justice Demanded For Victims of Freeport (23/10/2003) #6771
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 23, 2003 01:52 AM
Laksamana.Net - The Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) and other non-government organizations on Wednesday (22/10/03) demanded an investigation into the "real crimes and thousands of victims at the Freeport-Rio Tinto" gold mine in Papua province.

Blast in Makassar, Explosives Found in Palu (23/10/2003) #6768
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 22, 2003 11:57 PM
Laksamana.Net - A small bomb exploded in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Wednesday (22/10/03), while police in Central Sulawesi have reportedly discovered 600 kilograms of explosives.

Military reports heavy clash in Aceh (23/10/2003) #6767
ABC AUSTRALIA, 23/10/2003 05:07:43
The Indonesian military says it has killed nine separatist rebels in a single clash in Aceh province.

'Deserters adversely affect operations' (23/10/2003) #6766
The Jakarta Post, October 23, 2003
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Observers urged the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Wednesday to review its policy on the deployment of soldiers to conflict-torn areas, which they said worsened the violence and sparked desertions.

Christians In Indonesia Flee Their Homes As Attacks Spread (23/10/2003) #6765
Compass Direct, Wed, 22 Oct 2003
LONDON, October 21 (Compass) - Villagers in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, are once again fleeing for their lives. They are reacting to recent attacks on four villages in the Poso district by bands of masked raiders armed with automatic weapons. Even the deployment of extra armed forces to secure the area has had little effect upon the worried inhabitants.

Malaysian goes on trial for church bombing (23/10/2003) #6764
The Jakarta Post, 10/22/2003 7:10:04 PM
JAKARTA (AP): A Malaysian man went on trial Wednesday accused of building a bomb that demolished a Roman Catholic church here in 2001, killing one person and injuring 18.

Waiting For Hambali (23/10/2003) #6763
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 23, 2003 12:58 AM
Laksamana.Net - The US has promised to "eventually" hand over suspected international terrorist Hambali to Indonesia for trial, says Foreign Minister Hassan Wirayuda.

Indon confident US will hand over terror suspect Hambali (23/10/2003) #6762
ABC AUSTRALIA, 22/10/2003 22:27:15
Indonesia's Foreign Minister, Hassan Wirayuda, says the United States will "eventually" hand over top terror suspect, Hambali.

Indonesia's Reactions to the War on Terrorism (23/10/2003) #6761
USINDO Open Forum
Speaker: Sidney Jones, Indonesia Project Director, International Crisis Group - Jakarta. Tuesday, October 28, 2003. 8:30 - 10:00 am. Cosmos Club, Powell Room. 2121 Massachusetts Avenue, NW. Washington DC. Abstract: Indonesians have reacted in many ways to the war on terrorism. Some continue to deny the issue exists in Indonesia. While most have come to recognize since the police round-up and trials of the Bali bombers that terrorism is home-grown and must be stopped, many nevertheless believe the United States exaggerates the threat as justification for its domineering foreign policy.

Blast rocks Makassar, no damage (22/10/2003) #6760
The Jakarta Post, 10/22/2003 12:58:09 PM
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (AP): A loud explosion alarmed shoppers here on Wednesday, but caused no damage, police said.

Trial for Indonesian Kopassus chief (22/10/2003) #6758
The Australian, October 22, 2003
By Sian Powell, Jakarta correspondent. The chief of Indonesia's special forces will make history tomorrow when his trial begins in Jakarta's central court.

More bomb suspects to face trial (22/10/2003) #6754
The Jakarta Post, October 22, 2003
DENPASAR, Bali: The Denpasar District Court began its preparations on Tuesday for the trial of the remaining four suspects in the Bali bombings after receiving their case files from the provincial prosecutor's office.

GAM negotiators, activist get long sentences (22/10/2003) #6753
The Jakarta Post, October 22, 2003
Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. The Banda Aceh District Court sentenced on Tuesday three negotiators of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), including chief negotiator Sofyan Ibrahim Tiba, and women activist Cut Nurasyikin, to prison terms of between 11 years and 15 years.

Independence call in Aceh leads to jail term (22/10/2003) #6752
ABC AUSTRALIA, 22/10/2003 02:15:31
A human rights activist has been jailed in Indonesia for her calls for an independence vote for the war-torn province of Aceh.

Aceh Negotiators & Activist Jailed (22/10/2003) #6751
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 21, 2003 11:58 PM
Laksamana.Net - Three negotiators for separatist rebels in Aceh province have been sentenced to lengthy jail terms, while a women's' rights activist has also been jailed for treason.

Indonesia jails activist for Aceh ballot call (22/10/2003) #6750
Reuters, October 21, 2003
BANDA ACEH, Indonesia, Oct. 21 — A human rights activist was jailed for 11 years in Indonesia on Tuesday for her calls for an independence vote for war-torn Aceh province.

Human rights group condemns Indonesia's (22/10/2003) #6749
"hidden war" in Aceh
World Socialist Web Site, 21 October 2003
By Carol Divjak and James Conachy. A Human Rights Watch (HRW) paper issued last month provides further details of the repressive campaign that the Indonesian government is waging in the oil-rich province of Aceh. The province was placed under martial law on May 19 and a massive operation involving 40,000 Indonesian troops and police is underway to crush the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which has fought for independence from Jakarta for some 30 years.

U.S. Policy Censured in Indonesia (22/10/2003) #6748
Muslim Leaders To Caution Bush
The Washington Post, Tuesday, October 21, 2003
By Ellen Nakashima, Washington Post Foreign Service. JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 20 -- Two national religious leaders who will meet with President Bush during his three-hour stop in Indonesia on Wednesday said they plan to tell him that they fear U.S. foreign policy is alienating the people of the world's most populous Muslim country and that the United States needs to take a more balanced approach to terrorism.

Security forces hunting Poso attack mastermind (21/10/2003) #6747
The Jakarta Post, October 21, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Palu/Jakarta. A joint police and military force are pursuing Mohamadong alias Ndang accused of masterminding a series of fresh attacks in Poso and the neighboring regency of Morowali, Central Sulawesi.

Aceh conflict enters sixth month (21/10/2003) #6746
ABC AUSTRALIA, 21/10/2003 02:18:31
Indonesian troops have killed a suspected Aceh rebel during a firefight as a major offensive against guerrillas in the province enters its sixth month

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 394 (21/10/2003) #6744
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, October 20, 2003
HAWEAR SIGNS IN TUAL REMOVED – At noon today the adat hawear (no trespass) sign that has been obstructing the bridge from Tual to the main island of the Kei archipelago since mid-September, has been removed. It was a spontaneous initiative of the local adat elders and was carried out with appropriate adat ceremony.

Five more dead, 13 arrested in Poso (21/10/2003) #6743
The Jakarta Post, 10/20/2003 12:10:56 PM
JAKARTA (AFP): Police have shot dead five suspects and arrested a total of 13 after a chase through the forests of the troubled Poso in Central Sulawesi province following deadly attacks, police said Monday.

Several dead after clashes in Indonesia's C. Sulawesi (21/10/2003) #6742
ABC AUSTRALIA, 20/10/2003 17:15:49
Indonesian police have shot dead five suspects after a chase through the forests of Central Sulawesi province following attacks on mainly Christian villages.

Islamic Authority Says Bush Meeting Useless (21/10/2003) #6738
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 20, 2003 11:20 PM
Laksamana.Net - The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), the nation's top Islamic authority, says an upcoming Bali meeting between moderate Muslim leaders and US President George W. Bush would be a waste of time.

Joint team kills another Poso gunman, arrests six more (20/10/2003) #6736
The Jakarta Post, October 20, 2003
La Remmy, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi. A top police official said on Sunday a joint military and police force have killed another gunman and arrested six other people as they combed Pawaru subdistrict, Lembo district in Central Sulawesi.

Indonesian troops kill nine more rebels in Aceh (20/10/2003) #6734
ABC AUSTRALIA, 20/10/2003 09:49:39
Indonesian troops say they have killed nine more separatist rebels in Aceh province, where a major campaign against the separatist movement is entering its sixth month.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 393 (20/10/2003) #6733
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, October 19, 2003
MILITARY DENIES INVOLVEMENT IN DEADLY ATTACKS IN CELEBES – Laksamana.Net reports that the military has denied any involvement in the deadly attacks on Christian villages in Central Sulawesi province, which left at least 11 Christians dead and 12 wounded after a band of gunmen wearing masks attacked their villages over October 9-12.

Indonesian troops arrest Sulawesi gunmen (20/10/2003) #6732
ABC AUSTRALIA, 19/10/2003 08:52:42
Police in Indonesia say security forces have shot dead three gunmen involved in attacks on mainly Christian villages in Central Sulawesi.

Review - Politics: Four Hours in Bali (20/10/2003) #6731
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 19, 2003 09:53 PM
Laksamana.Net - US President George W. Bush will arrive in Bali Wednesday (22/10/2003) for a four-hour stopover after attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation meeting in Bangkok.

Review - Regions: Aceh Toll Rises (20/10/2003) #6730
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 19, 2003 09:38 PM
Laksamana.Net - The military says more than 900 Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels have now been killed since the start of the offensive on May 19, along with 66 members of the security forces. More than 1,800 have been arrested or have surrendered.

Megawati applauded Mahathir attack on Jews (20/10/2003) #6729
The Sydney Morning Herald, October 18, 2003
By Mark Riley, Tom Allard and Matthew Moore. The Indonesian President, Megawati Soekarnoputri, joined a standing ovation for her Malaysian counterpart, Mahathir Mohamad, after he called on Muslims to consider Jews as their enemy, it has been revealed.

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 150 (20/10/2003) #6728
11 - 17 October 2003
MALUKU * A local newspaper, Siwalima, quoted Maluku Military commander, Major Gen. TNI Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo, on Wednesday (15 Oct.), saying that due to the lifting of the state of civil emergency and the conducive security situation in Ambon, TNI officials have taken the decision to gradually withdraw TNI forces stationed in Ambon during conflict back to their original units.
NORTH MALUKU * On Sunday (12 Oct.), North Maluku province celebrated its 4th anniversary. A ceremony lead by the Governor was held on Tuesday (14 Oct) at Ngaralamo field in Ternate. Government and military officials attended the event. However, the Head of Districts and their caretakers, as well as Mayors in North Maluku province did not attend.

Mysterious attacks continue in Poso (17/10/2003) #6725
The Jakarta Post, 10/17/2003 1:49:55 PM
JAKARTA (DPA): Unidentified gangs on Friday attempted to set fire to houses in troubled Poso, Central Sulawesi province, where 13 people have died this month in a fresh outbreak of well-planned violence, police officials said.

Missing man found dead after new in Poso attacks (17/10/2003) #6724
The Jakarta Post, October 17, 2003
La Remmy, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi. A 26-year-old man, who was reported missing on Oct. 12 when masked gunmen raided several villages and killed at least nine people in Central Sulawesi, was found dead on Thursday, police said.

Indonesian security forces hunting C. Sulawesi gunmen (17/10/2003) #6723
ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/10/2003 09:47:21
Indonesian police say a joint force of police and troops is hunting gunmen who killed 10 people in Central Sulawesi province.

Christians Fear Being Slaughtered By Muslims In Indonesia (17/10/2003) #6722
International Christian Concern
October 15, 2003 The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org has just become aware of breaking news that thousands of residents from the vicinity of Poso, Central Sulawesi have fled their homes and jobs for fear of their lives. During the prior conflict between Christians and Muslims in 1999-2001, many Christians saw their loved ones being violently murdered by Jihad warriors as well as witnessing their houses being burning to the ground.

Military Denies Role in Poso Killings (17/10/2003) #6721
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 16, 2003 11:44 PM
Laksamana.Net - The military has denied involvement in a recent string of deadly attacks by masked gunmen on Christian villagers in Central Sulawesi province.

INFID's Short News Overview No. 151 (17/10/2003) #6720
INFID, 16 October 2003
Poso: An armed gang of about 20 unidentified men attacked roadside houses in Central Sulawesi's Poso and Kolonodale districts, 1,575 kilometres northeast of Jakarta, between midnight Oct. 9 until early Oct. 10. The sudden outbreak of violence forced hundreds of villagers in Bateleme sub-district to flee their homes, seeking refugee at the police and military district offices, or fleeing into nearby jungle. Besides killing three people the attackers also set fire to at least 27 houses and several vehicles.

Indonesian villagers flee after attacks on Christian villagers (16/10/2003) #6713
ABC AUSTRALIA, 16/10/2003 01:00:20
Officials in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province say hundreds of terrified people have fled their homes, after a string of attacks by masked gunmen on Christian villagers.

Govt to impede infiltration of Poso (16/10/2003) #6712
The Jakarta Post, October 16, 2003
La Remmy and Erik W., The Jakarta Post, Poso, Central Sulawesi. Jakarta plans to increase security in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, to prevent outsiders from perpetrating further attacks after the deaths of at least nine people in recent raids there, a senior minister said on Wednesday.

Still traumatized over blasts, (16/10/2003) #6711
Balinese splash peace messages
The Jakarta Post, October 16, 2003
I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali. Candlelight vigils and interfaith services did not seem sufficient media through which the Balinese and their friends from other parts of the world observed last year's bombing of Kuta.

Five More Jailed Over Bali Blasts (16/10/2003) #6710
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 16, 2003 12:23 AM
Laksamana.Net - Five men have been sentenced to jail for helping hide one of the extremists responsible for last year's Bali nightclub bombings that killed 202 people.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 392 (16/10/2003) #6708
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, October 15, 2003
VIOLENCE IN CENTRAL CELEBES – As Central Celebes is not far from the North Moluccas, we may report briefly on recent violence in that area, summarized from The Jakarta Post. On October 10, 2003, an attack was launched on the Morowali regency, Central Celebes (or: Sulawesi), killing three people and injuring five others. A predawn attack on the villages of Saatu, Pantangolemba and Pinedampa, where reportedly the majority of the residents is christian, took at least nine lives. Thirty houses and a church were destroyed. Reports say that the attackers came from the surrounding mountain areas in Poso. There is no clue yet to the identity of the assailants neither what motivation is behind it.

Violence Again Torments Central Sulawesi, Indonesia (16/10/2003) #6707
Militants Attack and Kill Christians; Burn Homes and Churches
International Christian Concern
October 14, 2003 The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org has just become aware of attacks on five Indonesian villages leaving in its aftermath houses burned, people killed and injured, and fear rampant in the hearts of Christians. The Central Sulawesi attacks targeted villages where many Christians had relocated and resettled after having their homes burned by Jihad warriors in the prior conflict between Muslims and Christians. This conflict was very intense between the years 1999 and 2001 and over 2,000 people in this region alone were killed. On Oct. 10, 2003, the Jakarta Post quoted the National Police Chief General Da'I Bachtiar, "There are some groups who deliberately want to destroy peace by inciting hatred among people in the area." This is considered the most serious outbreak of violence since the signing of the Malino Peace Accord.

FPI Threatens Ramadhan Bar Raids (16/10/2003) #6701
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 14, 2003 06:09 PM
Laksamana.Net - The radical Islamic Defenders' Front (FPI), notorious for attacking nightlife venues in Jakarta, has warned that people will take the law into their own hands if city officials fail to close down bars and nightclubs over the upcoming Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan.

Blast rocks Poso, gunmen at large (15/10/2003) #6699
The Jakarta Post, October 15, 2003
La Remmy, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi. A bomb blast rocked Betania village in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, as police intensified the hunt for masked gunmen who killed at least nine people in recent raids in the violence-torn district.

Violence in Central Sulawesi (15/10/2003) #6695
Jubilee Campaign USA, October 14, 2003
In Indonesia, violence is once again on the rise in the region of Central Sulawesi. Starting in 1998, conflict erupted between Muslims and Christians devastating entire villages, destroying scores of churches, and killing hundreds. In December 2001, with the signature of the Malino Peace Accord by leaders of both sides, life was expected to return to normal. However, the peace accord has yet to be fully implemented. Sporadic violations of the Accord have occurred and are suddenly escalating at an alarming rate.

What happened in Poso? (15/10/2003) #6694
The Jakarta Post, October 14, 2003
If you ask people in the street what they crave at this point in time, undoubtedly their answer will be "peace." This is not at all surprising, given the endless cycle of violence that this country has been going through. Ever since the years before 1998, when a huge political earthquake jolted the nation, endless violence has rampaged through the archipelago. Throughout this time, the people's patience has been getting thinner and thinner.

Troops deployed to prevent flareup in Indonesian province (15/10/2003) #6693
ABC AUSTRALIA, 14/10/2003 21:28:39
Indonesia has deployed some 2,000 police and troops to Central Sulawesi province to prevent a major flareup of Muslim-Christian violence.

FPI chief threatens to raid bars (15/10/2003) #6691
which open during Ramadan
The Jakarta Post, 10/14/2003 1:51:43 PM
JAKARTA (AFP): The jailed head of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) urged Jakarta officials on Tuesday to shut down bars, discos and nightclubs during the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan or face possible raids.

New ties with Indonesian special forces slammed as (15/10/2003) #6690
'dumb' in Australia
The Jakarta Post, 10/14/2003 11:55:30 AM
SYDNEY (AFP): Australia's opposition slammed the government's plans to revive military links with Indonesia's special forces Tuesday, after the cancellation of a visit by its chief over alleged human rights abuses.

Slaughter coincided with Bali rites (14/10/2003) #6689
The Sydney Morning Herald, October 14, 2003
By Matthew Moore Herald Correspondent in Jakarta and agencies. Masked gunmen who slaughtered eight Christians in Central Sulawesi over the weekend may have timed the killings to coincide with the Bali bombing commemoration then due to begin just hours later.

Australian government criticised over ties with Kopassus (14/10/2003) #6686
ABC AUSTRALIA, 14/10/2003 11:10:08
Australia's opposition Labor Party has accused the government of incompetence over its relationship with Indonesia's special forces, Kopassus.

Home is still far away for Maluku refugees (14/10/2003) #6685
The Jakarta Post, October 13, 2003
Ati Nurbaiti, The Jakarta Post, Ambon. Whether and when the state of civil emergency was lifted in Maluku was not really of any great importance to many residents.

What to expect from Ambon's judiciary (14/10/2003) #6684
The Jakarta Post, October 13, 2003
The moustached judge had no intention of playing hero. Upon receiving notification that he would be transferred to his hometown in war-torn Ambon, Maluku, two years ago, J. Hehamoni tried to stall, saying he intended to study for his doctorate in Denpasar.

Who's Behind the Poso Carnage? (14/10/2003) #6683
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 13, 2003 11:54 PM
Laksamana.Net - The government has ordered the military and police to take swift action to combat the recent outbreak of deadly religious violence in Central Sulawesi province to prevent further killings, while speculation is mounting over who's behind the carnage.

More than the Bali Victims (14/10/2003) #6681
CRY INDONESIA MEDIA, October 13, 2003
Bali, October 13, 2003. I am writing to you from Bali, Indonesia, having just attended the official memorial for the 202 victims of last years terrorist attack. I have also participated in a series of combined churches meetings numbering thousands.

Indonesian militant jailed for 20 years for Jakarta bombings (14/10/2003) #6680
ABC AUSTRALIA, 13/10/2003 22:48:22
An Indonesian militant has been jailed for 20 years for bombing the Jakarta home of the Philippine ambassador and two churches in the city three years ago.

Philippine Forces Kill Terror Suspect (14/10/2003) #6678
he Washington Post, Monday, October 13, 2003
By Ellen Nakashima. Washington Post Foreign Service. Monday, October 13, 2003; Page A12. JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 13 (Monday) -- Philippine police backed by soldiers shot and killed a prominent Indonesian terrorism suspect in a brief gun battle on the southern island of Mindanao, a top security official said Monday.

Review - Regions: Massacre in C. Sulawesi (13/10/2003) #6675
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 12, 2003 10:59 PM
Laksamana.Net - Violence has again erupted in Central Sulawesi province, with unidentified gunmen reportedly killing nine Christians and wounding 11 others in dawn raids Sunday (12/10/03) on three villages. The attacks, the second in three days, have raised fears of a return to the religious clashes that left about 1,000 people dead in the province over1999 and 2001.

Review - Politics: Lest We Forget... (13/10/2003) #6674
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 12, 2003 11:07 PM
Clerics push for shariah law: The movement to introduce Islamic Law (shariah), is gaining momentum. Around 200 orthodox clerics met in Bandung, West Java to sort out the radical and moderate versions of shariah.

Armed attack in Poso takes further toll (13/10/2003) #6673
The Jakarta Post, 10/12/2003 7:08:36 PM
POSO (Antara): The death toll from an armed attack in Poso Pesisir subdistrict, Central Sulawesi, rose to nine after another villager died on Sunday afternoon at the Poso General Hospital.

Fresh riot kills eight in Poso (13/10/2003) #6672
The Jakarta Post, October 13, 2003
La Remmy, The Jakarta Post, Palu, Central Sulawesi. Fresh violence broke out in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, killing at least eight people and injuring seven others on Sunday, sparking fears of the resurgence of sectarian fighting in the religiously divided town.

Maluku governor offers weapons amnesty to local (13/10/2003) #6671
The Jakarta Post, October 13, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. ku governor Karel Albert Ralahalu called on Maluku residents on Saturday to surrender their weapons -- including guns and home-made bombs -- to security personnel on the grounds that the situation in Maluku had returned to normal.

Eight killed in renewed violence in Indonesia's Poso district (13/10/2003) #6667
ABC AUSTRALIA, 12/10/2003 18:42:23
In Indonesia, eight people have been killed and eight injured after unidentified men attacked villagers in the religiously divided Poso district of Sulawesi island.

What if Java decided it was time to go it alone? (13/10/2003) #6666
The Jakarta Post, October 12, 2003
A visiting American friend asked me how things were and I poured out my grievances, glad for an eager listener.

Indonesian church torched, two killed by armed men (13/10/2003) #6664
Reuters, 11 Oct 2003 08:20:56 GMT
JAKARTA, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Unidentified armed men killed two Christians and torched a church and many homes in a mostly Christian village in Muslim-majority Indonesia, police said on Saturday.

Two killed in new violence on Indonesia's Sulawesi (13/10/2003) #6663
The Star [Malaysia], Saturday, October 11, 2003
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Security forces were patrolling Indonesia's central Sulawesi province on Saturday after armed men attacked a mostly Christian village, killing two people and torching 27 houses, police said.

Christian Convert Assassinated; Bomb Discovered In Church (13/10/2003) #6661
International Christian Concern
Oct 8, 2003 The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern (ICC) www.persecution.org has just become aware of a shooting and bomb discovery in Central Sulawesi. In 1999 and 2002, this region was the scene of much violence between Christian and Muslim communities. In the Maluku Islands over 8,000 were killed and over a half million Indonesians displaced from both sides. It seems that tensions are starting to erupt again. On Oct. 1, 2003, a Christian convert from Islam, Mr. Jono age 44, was murdered in broad daylight on a public street in the Pandiri village. The murderers were followed by Christians until they entered a Moslem populated village. The two gunmen escaped without being apprehended.

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 149 (13/10/2003) #6660
4 - 10 October 2003
MALUKU * A local newspaper, Ambon Ekspres, reported on Wednesday (8 Oct.), that a bomb exploded in Werhir village of Tual city on Tuesday (7 Oct.) night. No casualties were reported and no further information released by the police.
NORTH MALUKU * A local newspaper, Ternate Post, reported on Wednesday (8 Oct.), that 7 displaced families originally from Tobelo sub-district were taken out from houses they had occupied in Ternate City by local TNI personnel. The action was taken based on requests from the house owners. According to Ternate City Military Rayon Commander, Capt. Ruslan Hafel, these IDPs have been reminded many times to leave the houses. Meanwhile the IDPs said that they could not leave the houses as they don't have places to stay in.

Long Live Corruption! (10/10/2003) #6657
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 10, 2003 01:46 AM
Laksamana.Net - President Megawati Sukarnoputri says her respect for human rights prevents her from taking harsh measures to combat corruption, collusion and nepotism.

Australia plays down Megawati stance on Bali ceremony (10/10/2003) #6653
ABC AUSTRALIA, 10/10/2003 09:31:22
Australia's foreign affairs minister, Alexander Downer, says the inability of Indonesia's president, Megawati Sukarnoputri, to attend the Bali bombing commemoration on Sunday is not a reflection of the country's relationship with Australia.

Jakarta's neurosis over Aceh and Papua -- Why? (10/10/2003) #6652
The Jakarta Post, October 10, 2003
Aboeprijadi Santoso, Radio Netherlands, Brussels. The public hearing on Aceh and Papua held by the European Parliament in Brussels on Oct. 1 was a rare but important occasion. It also showed support for Indonesia. But Jakarta declined the invitation, leaving the international community out in the cold.

Two Papuans sentenced to jail for state treason (10/10/2003) #6651
The Jakarta Post, October 10, 2003
Netty Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura, Papua. The Jayapura District Court sentenced on Thursday Edison Waromi and Herman Wanggai to two years in prison for treason.

Irate Papuans threaten to boycott elections (10/10/2003) #6650
The Jakarta Post, October 10, 2003
Kurniawan Hari and Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Politicians in the Papua provincial legislature have threatened to boycott the 2004 general elections if the central government insists on establishing West Irian Jaya as a separate electoral district from its mother province, Papua.

Nine rebels killed in Aceh province (10/10/2003) #6649
ABC AUSTRALIA, 10/10/2003 09:31:31
Military officials in the Indonesian province of Aceh say the latest clashes between troops and suspected separatist rebels have left nine separatists dead.

Acehnese woman activist denies treason charges (10/10/2003) #6648
The Jakarta Post, September 01, 2003
Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. An Aceh woman activist denied on Thursday the treason charge leveled against her, saying she had campaigned for a referendum as part of efforts to settle the prolonged conflict in the province.

INFID's Short News Overview No. 150 (10/10/2003) #6647
INFID, 9 October 2003
War on Terror: Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda confirmed that Megawati would not attend a planned memorial service for the Bali blast victims, to be led by Australian Prime Minister John Howard, a move that has been interpreted as a snub by Australia in Kuta's entertainment strip in Bali.

Facing the Enemy Within (09/10/2003) #6646
TIME Magazine,
October 13, 2003. Vol. 162 No. 14. BY SIDNEY JONES. Within weeks of the Bali bombings, Indonesian police made their first arrests of Jemaah Islamiah (JI) members. Since then, they have hauled in more than 100 people with suspected JI links. They have seized huge amounts of ammunition and explosives, confiscated documents and identified sites where JI recruits were trained.

Clerics want Criminal Code to incorporate Sharia (09/10/2003) #6645
The Jakarta Post, October 09, 2003
Yuli Tri Suwarni and Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Bandung. Around 200 hard-line clerics urged the government to include Islamic sharia law in the revised Criminal Code (KUHP) as they cut short their two-day meeting here, which was originally scheduled to have ended on Wednesday.

'Aceh has buried special autonomy, sharia law' (09/10/2003) #6644
The Jakarta Post, October 09, 2003
Amid the ongoing military operation to quell the armed rebellion in Aceh, it is very difficult to meet with GAM leaders. Ishak Daud, GAM Commander for East Aceh gave an exclusive interview to The Jakarta Post's Tiarma Siboro at his base camp in an undisclosed area in the province recently.

Mourners make way to Bali for Sunday ceremony (09/10/2003) #6643
ABC AUSTRALIA, 09/10/2003 09:31:49
Hundreds of mourners have begun arriving in Bali, ahead of Sunday's commemoration of last October's terrorist attacks that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.

Foreign investors eye Seram Island: Maluku Governor (09/10/2003) #6641
The Jakarta Post, 10/8/2003 4:05:07 PM
AMBON, Maluku (Antara): A number of investors from China and Japan as well as European countries have reportedly expressed interest in doing business in Seram Island in Maluku province, an official said here Wednesday.

Ba'asyir appeals his sedition conviction (09/10/2003) #6638
The Jakarta Post, 10/8/2003 12:50:35 PM
JAKARTA (AP): Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, a Muslim cleric sentenced to four years in jail for sedition has appealed his verdict to the High Court here, his attorneys said Wednesday.

Amrozi files appeal to Supreme Court (09/10/2003) #6637
The Jakarta Post, 10/8/2003 4:14:17 PM
DENPASAR, Bali (AFP): Lawyers for convicted Bali bomber Amrozi appealed to the Supreme Court Wednesday over his death sentence, which has already been upheld by a lower appeals court.

Jail for three Bali bomb accomplices (09/10/2003) #6636
ABC AUSTRALIA, 08/10/2003 20:37:14
Indonesian judges have jailed three men for more than four years for their part in last year's Bali bomb attacks.

Al Qaeda destroyed within a year? (09/10/2003) #6634
The Christian Science Monitor, October 8, 2003
Al Qaeda will be
destroyed within a year. That's the opinion of terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna, reports Agence France-Presse. But that doesn't mean the world is in the clear yet, he says. Militant groups linked to Al Qaeda will continue to be threats.

Asia's Terror Threat (09/10/2003) #6633
TIME, Sunday, Oct. 05, 2003
BY SIMON ELEGANT AND ANDREW PERRIN. You'd never guess from the plaintive tone that the man being interrogated is supposed to be one of the world's most dangerous terrorists. Even through a fog of bureaucratic paraphrasing, Riduan Isamuddin—better known as Hambali—appears a very unhappy man.

The Terrorist Talks (09/10/2003) #6632
TIME, Sunday, Oct. 05, 2003
By SIMON ELEGANT I KUALA LUMPUR. It is a working principle of professional interrogators that every detainee wants to tell his story. It did not take long for Riduan Isamuddin—the al-Qaeda operative better known as Hambali—to prove that rule. In fact, it took less than two weeks.

Clerics meet to push for sharia law (08/10/2003) #6630
The Jakarta Post, October 08, 2003
Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung. Around 200 extremist clerics began a national two-day meeting here on Tuesday to push for the introduction of sharia law in the predominantly Muslim country ahead of the 2004 general elections.

Weaponry linked to terror suspects (08/10/2003) #6629
The Jakarta Post, October 08, 2003
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The National Police said on Tuesday the latest finding of ammunition and an FN-45 gun in a cave at the tourist resort of Tawangmangu in Karanganyar regency, Central Java, was linked to the recent arrests of terror suspects.

2 suspected rebels, 1 civilian killed in latest Aceh violence (08/10/2003) #6625
The Jakarta Post, 10/7/2003 12:04:38 PM
BANDA ACEH, Aceh (AFP): Two suspected separatist rebels and a civilians were killed in the latest spurt of violence in Indonesia's Aceh province, the military said Tuesday.

International report puts Indonesia high on (08/10/2003) #6624
list of corrupt nations
ABC AUSTRALIA, 07/10/2003 19:07:27
A new international report says Indonesia ranks as one of the world's most corrupt nations. The Berlin-based Transparency International has cited widespread graft in Indonesia's public sector and judicial system.

Keeping Maluku's fragile peace: No more promises (07/10/2003) #6622
The Jakarta Post, October 07, 2003
Ati Nurbaiti, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Ambon. Peace is returning to the Maluku islands, with scorched buildings among the reminders to residents of how they became so suddenly embroiled in a previously unimagined circle of bloodshed. During the past year or so, self restraint has replaced the fires of revenge and the capital Ambon is no longer fertile ground for false rumors, which triggered wars in neighboring areas.

Mega to skip Bali commemoration (07/10/2003) #6621
The Jakarta Post, October 07, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali. The Indonesian government confirmed on Monday that President Megawati Soekarnoputri would not attend the planned memorial service marking the first anniversary of the Oct. 12 Bali bombings next week out of respect for the religious and cultural values of the Balinese people.

Megawati to stay away from Bali commemorations (07/10/2003) #6620
ABC AUSTRALIA, 07/10/2003 04:41:09
Indonesia's foreign minister says President Megawati Sukarnoputri won't be taking part in this week's commemoration for victims of the Bali bombings.

Indonesian court jails Makassar bomber for eight years (07/10/2003) #6614
ABC AUSTRALIA, 06/10/2003 19:00:30
An Indonesian court has jailed for eight years one of the main suspects in the series of December bombing attacks in the city of Makassar, South Sulawesi.

Local govt reform key to recovery from conflict in Ambon (06/10/2003) #6611
The Jakarta Post, October 06, 2003
Edi Suhardi, Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia, Jakarta. When the horrifying sectarian conflict broke out in 1999, no one believed it could happen in the capital of Maluku province long known as Ambon manise, or Sweet Ambon. Ambon was at the center of the communal conflict that affected almost the entire province until 2002.

'Al-Qaeda financed Bali' claims Hambali report (06/10/2003) #6610
The Sydney Morning Herald, October 6, 2003
Alleged terror chief Hambali told US investigators al-Qaeda financed last year's Bali nightclub bombings and had considered new attacks on western targets in southeast Asia, Time magazine will report in tomorrow's edition.

Thousands flee after Mamasa chaos (06/10/2003) #6609
The Jakarta Post, October 06, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Over 6,000 local people in Mamasa regency have been forced to flee their homes for the relative safety of other districts, after a local conflict, precipitated by a decision to divide Polewali Mamasa (Polmas) into two regencies in South Sulawesi, Antara news agency reported on Saturday.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 391 (06/10/2003) #6608
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, October 5, 2003
GOVERNOR'S LIFE IN JEOPARDY – Police Chief of the Kei Kecil islands affirmed to Maluku Media Center that indeed there was plot to attack the governor immediately after his arrival. The bupati-elected Herman Koedoeboen was also targeted as a victim, likewise several other politicians, supporters of H.Koedoeboen. The execution of the plot was entrusted to somebody with the initials of YP. However, when the critical moment was not far-off yet, his telephone deviated to a wrong address. It then developped not unlike a detective story. PY was caught and interrogated by a crowd in a house in Ohoibun, a neighbourhood at the outskirts of the large village of Langgur. Only after PY had "sung his song", he was handed over to the police.

Review - Regions: 900 Aceh Rebels Killed (06/10/2003) #6607
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 5, 2003 10:55 PM
Laksamana.Net - The Indonesian military (TNI) said more than 900 suspected rebels have now been killed since May 19 when the large-scale military offensive was launched against the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Indonesians prevent group reaching Philippine (06/10/2003) #6606
paramilitary camp
ABC AUSTRALIA, 05/10/2003 21:27:41
Police in Indonesia have prevented seven Indonesians from illegally entering the Southern Philippines to join a Muslim militant camp.

TNI still unwilling to accept civilian supremacy: Observers (06/10/2003) #6605
The Jakarta Post, October 04, 2003
A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Military observers said on Friday that the Indonesian Military (TNI) had made some progress in reforming in the last 5 years, but pointed out other problems that it must improve to meet the nation's expectations and uphold democracy.

Indonesia's terror blame game (06/10/2003) #6604
ASIA TIMES, October 4, 2003
By Gary LaMoshi. DENPASAR, Bali - A new report on failing US public diplomacy in the Arab and Muslim worlds highlights the need for the United States to its reinvigorate programs and describes how US policy shapes its image overseas (see It's the US policy, stupid, October 3). As an example, the report provides a startling statistic: In Indonesia, favorable opinions of the US plummeted from 61 percent in early 2002 to just 15 percent this year.

Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 148 (06/10/2003) #6603
27 September - 3 October 2003
MALUKU * A local newspaper, Info Baru, reported on Wednesday (1 Oct.), that since 22 September, up to 11,000 pet animals (dogs, cats and monkeys) in Ambon city and three sub-districts on Ambon Island, have been vaccinated by officials from the department of Agriculture and Animal Husbandry Department in the continuing effort to contain a rabies outbreak on the Island. The disease was first reported in July 2003.

Indonesia to consider extending martial law in Aceh (03/10/2003) #6601
ABC AUSTRALIA, 03/10/2003 09:39:14
The chief administrator in the Indonesian province of Aceh says Jakarta should extend martial law in Aceh until after next year's general election.

Judging govt solutions to Papuan separatism (03/10/2003) #6599
The Jakarta Post, October 02, 2003
Neles Tebay, Pontifical University, of Urbaniana, Rome. The central government has repeatedly emphasized the necessity of tackling the separatist movement in Papua through "proper ways". It is interesting to see how the government has been trying to tackle the newly recognized Papuan separatist movement, and how the international community has reacted.

Four Dead in South Sulawesi Brawls (03/10/2003) #6597
LAKSAMANA.Net, October 2, 2003 05:43 AM
Laksamana.Net - At least four people have been killed in South Sulawesi province during clashes between supporters and opponents of the local government's decision to divide a district into two new regencies, reports said Wednesday (1/10/03).

Mastermind Muklas sentenced to firing squad (03/10/2003) #6593
The Sydney Morning Herald, October 2, 2003
Islamic teacher Muklas, the gang leader of the Bali bombers, jumped into the air after being found guilty and sentenced to death by an Indonesian court today. Also known as Ali Ghufron, Muklas, 43, yelled "Allahu Akbar'' (God is Great) after being sentenced, and swung around to onlookers before performing a star jump and saying he would appeal.

Mukhlas sentenced to death (03/10/2003) #6592
ABC AUSTRALIA, 02/10/2003 23:59:23
02/10/2003 23:59:23 | Lateline * The most senior Jemaah Islamiah member directly involved in the Bali bombings, Mukhlas, has been sentenced to death by an Indonesian court. Prosecutors had described Mukhlas as the overall controller who authorised the bombings which killed more than 200 people. Despite earlier statements that he wished to die a martyr, Mukhlas has announced he will appeal against his sentence of death by firing squad.

INFID's Short News Overview No. 149 (03/10/2003) #6591
INFID, 2 October 2003
Regional News - Aceh: September 26, Four Acehnese rebels were killed and two government troops were wounded during a clash in Buket Raya village, Darul Aman subdistrict.

'Militant groups recruit new members, plan more attacks' (02/10/2003) #6589
The Jakarta Post, October 02, 2003
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. National Police Chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said on Wednesday that militant groups continued to recruit new members and warned of more terror attacks in the country. "There are new recruits in these groups. We have yet to find out entirely about their recruitment system, but for sure there are new members of the group," Da'i said on Wednesday.

Politik Devide et Impera Jakarta Atas Papua (02/10/2003) #6588
Radio Nederland Wereldomroep, Kamis 02 Oktober 2003 07:45 WIB
John Rumbiak pegiat HAM manusia Papua diundang Parlemen Eropa di Brussel, Rabu ini. Ia diminta memberikan laporan soal hak-hak asasi manusia di Indonesia, khususnya wilayah Papua. Laporan ini disampaikan dalam rangka mengevaluasi resolusi komisi Eropa Mei lalu soal HAM di Indonesia. Yang terjadi di Papua adalah pola penjajahan devide et impera, ujar Rumbiak ketika dihubungi Radio Nederland di Brussel. Pertama kami tanyakan angka rapor pemerintah Jakarta dalam urusan hak asasi manusia.

THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 390 (02/10/2003) #6587
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, October 1, 2003
STILL NO END TO THE OBSTRUCTION IN TUAL – In and around Tual, the capital of the S.E. Moluccas Kabupaten (sub-province), the adat No-Trespass signs are still being maintained, thus very much annoying normal traffic conditions (see Report 389). The governor still insists to follow the persuasive way in attemps to solve the problem. Military chief commander Agustadi Sasongko Purnomo, however, spoke somewhat less lenient, saying that the state respects local custom, but only within certain borders, that should not be trespassed. National law surpasses any local adat. Thus the possibility of stern measures should not be ruled out. Governor Karel Ralahalu, accompanied by the military and police chief commanders, is due to leave for Tual within short, in order to meet the obstructors and try to convince them of the need of switching to more acceptable ways of venting their protest.

BHSI Indonesian Update, October 2003 (02/10/2003) #6586
BHSI, October 01, 2003
Maluku * Maluku's recent calm is accompanied by Home Affairs Minister Hari Sabarno's announcement that the emergency status of the province has been downgraded and that troops will be withdrawn gradually (see The Age). Emergency status was originally imposed on Maluku and North Maluku on in June 2000, in response to violence sparked by a trivial street dispute between a Muslim and a Christian in the city of Ambon during the previous year. The government lifted emergency status from North Maluku in May 2003.

Megawati issues decree for postconflict Maluku (02/10/2003) #6585
The Jakarta Post, 10/1/2003 4:16:21 PM
JAKARTA (Antara): President Megawati Soekarnoputri has issued a decree on the handling of postconflict Maluku and North Maluku.

Terrorist groups have new followers, says Da'i (02/10/2003) #6583
The Jakarta Post, 10/1/2003 2:30:38 PM
JAKARTA (Antara): National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said terrorist groups operating in the country had successfully recruited new followers, whom he said posed a threat to state security.

Bali bomb could have been 'worse' (02/10/2003) #6582
The Age [Australia], October 1, 2003 - 2:28PM
The Bali bombings could have been much worse had the main explosive device been configured differently, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Keelty said today.

In World's Largest Muslim Nation, (02/10/2003) #6579
Christians See the Writing on the Wall
Shatter The Silence, September 30, 2003
The Bali bombings and the August 5 bombing of the Marriott hotel in Jakarta highlight radical Islam's tightening grip on Indonesia. Less visible, however, is the daily terror directed at the Christian minority in the world's largest Muslim nation.

Students, refugees protest corruption report in Kupang (01/10/2003) #6576
The Jakarta Post, October 01, 2003
Yemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. Hundreds of students and East Timorese refugees continued their demonstrations on Tuesday at the East Nusa Tenggara legislative council following the reported misuse of funds intended for the refugees.

Aceh fighting claims more lives (01/10/2003) #6575
ABC AUSTRALIA, 01/10/2003 08:16:16
The Indonesian military says three suspected rebels have been shot dead in the province of Aceh and residents have found five other bodies with gunshot wounds.

Aussie Opposition Leader Leaves Unrewarded (01/10/2003) #6570
LAKSAMANA.Net, September 30, 2003 11:43 PM
Laksamana.Net - The leader of Australia's opposition Labor Party, Simon Crean, has left Jakarta humiliated without achieving his objective of meeting with President Megawati Sukarnoputri.
 

 Index of Previous News

News September 2003 (Amahoesoe)

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

News August 2003 (Amahoesoe)

News April 2002 (1) (Kariu67)

News July 2003 (Amahoesoe)

News March 2002 (Waai67)

News June 2003 (Nusanive)

News February 2002 (Waai67)

News May 2003 (Nusanive)

News January 2002 (Waai67)

News April 2003 (Batu_Capeu)

News December 2001 (Waai67)

News March 2003 (Batu_Capeu)

News October 2001 (Baguala67)

News February 2003 (Batu_Capeu)

News November 2001 (Baguala67)

News January 2003 (Kesui2001)

News September 2001 (Baguala67)

News December 2002 (Kesui2001)

News August 2001 (Naulu67)

News November 2002 (Kesui2001)

News July 2001 (Naulu67)

News October 2002 #1 (Soija2002)

News June 2001 (Naulu67)

News September 2002 (Soija2002)

News May 2001 (Arumbaikole)

News August 2002 (Unpatti67)

News April 2001 (Arumbaikole)

News July 2002 (Unpatti67)

News March 2001 (Arumbaikole)

News June 2002 #2 (Unpatti67)

News February 2001 (Arumbaikole)

News June 2002 #1 (Unpatti67)

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

News up to 31 May 2002 (Unpatti67)

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

News up to 22 May 2002 (Kariu67)

News from 1-11st December 2000 (Ambon67)


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