CRISIS CENTRE DIOCESE OF AMBOINA
Jalan Pattimura 32 – Ambon 97124 – Indonesia
Tel 0062 (0)911 342195 Fax 0062 (0)911 355337
E-mail: crisiscentre01@hotmail.com
Ambon, June 28, 2002
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report No. 297
1. COMMENTARY ON THE INVESTIGATION TEAM – The Independent Inquiry Team
(Tim Penyelidik Independen Nasional / TPIN) that has been established as an
implementation of the Moluccas Agreement of Malino (see Reports 235, 253 and 295)
and is expected to arrive in Ambon in the beginning of July, is being critized even
before it has started its investigation efforts. After the provincial House of
Representatives expressed its doubt about the genuine independency of the Team,
the Advocacy Team of Ending the Ambon Case (Tim Advokasi Penyelesaian Kasus
Ambon / TAPAK), too, expressed its disappointment insofar the Inquiry Team seems
to be going to focus its investigation on the mutual Christian vs.Muslim opposition,
whereas they should in! clude in their investigation those from outside the Moluccas,
such as Laskar Jihad and other Muslims from outside, RMS/FKM people from
elsewhere, the government and more specifically the military. Several members of the
Team – they state – belong to or used to be part of these outside forces.
According to national daily newspaper "Republika", Ambon Muslim leader Mohammad
Attamimi doubts the Team's independency, whereas Ambon Christian Protestant
Youth Leader John Ruhulessin doubts is neutrality.
The chairman of the Town's Legislative Council, Drs. Lucky Wattimury, is more
optimistic and urges everybody to endorse all efforts of this team and not to criticize
previously to its activities.
2. URGING A FAIR ELECTION – The bishop of Amboina, Msgr. P.C.Mandagi, urges
via the various local newsmedia to avoid any political malpractice in connection with
the impending election of a new Governor, which is to take place next November. One
should not spoil the present tranquil situation by unorderly strife for power. On the
contrary, people have had enough suffering and have the right to be ruled by one that
is most fitting for the job and who lets common welfare prevail over personal profit.
3. MISMANAGEMENT ELECTRICITY – When the electric power supply for Ambon
was dramatically reduced to a mere 6 hours daily, following the break-down of the
biggest power-plant on May 20, the Town Legislative Council established a team that
would investigate on this mess (see Report 289). The team has now drawn the
conclusion that part of the trouble is due to serious mismanagement. Within short
those responsible will be called to clarify on some dubious practices that have been
found out. Meanwhile by renting the generator of the recently shut down plywood
factory at Batu Gong (Passo) and several other smaller generators, the daily
allowance of electricity is gradually increasing now.
4. TOGETHER REBUILDING THEIR VILLAGES – One can not easily forget what
happened to the Christian village of Duma on North-Halmahera in the province of the
North Moluccas, on May 29, 2000: a devastating attack on the village resulted in 292
houses being burned, 176 residents of the village killed; 137 wounded. People
meanwhile have come to their senses. Jawa Pos daily reports that now Muslims and
Christians in close cooperation are rebuilding the village of Duma and also the nearby
villages of Togawa and Dukolamo. To this end USAID assists by providing building
materials. Other villages in the Galela area, North-Halmahera, too, received
considerable aid. In this way 1.512 new houses have been built and – what is! more
important yet – reconciliation at the base has been strengthened.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
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