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, July 10, 2002
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report No. 299
1. WARNING BY THE GOVERNOR – Though the general situation in Ambon and in
the Moluccas as a whole has much improved lately, nevertheless the Civil Emergency
Administrator of the Moluccas, Governor M.S.Latuconsina, does not exclude the
possibility of renewed conflict. Last Monday, July 8, the Governor expressed his
concern based on the fact that undoubtedly there was still quite a lot of weaponry and
ammunition circulating among the civilians, which could incite new violence, not only
between the opposing groups but also internally. The recent strife between the
Christian villages of Porto and Haria on the island of Saparua (10 April and 8 May
2002, see Reports 259 and 280) were in fact not unusual, but now was fought with
firearms and grenades, resulting in a lot of casualties.
The Governor also estimates that there is still a lot of revengefulness among the
people, which could explode into renewed clashes. A similar warning was uttered by
police chief commander Sunarko.
Another potential source of conflict is the imminent succession of the Governor and
several Bupatis (precinct chiefs) in the Moluccas. Last May 30, in Tual, South-East
Moluccas, the turmoil accompanying the election of the local Bupati resulted in a
number of casualties (see Report 293). The election of a new Governor will take place
next November.
2. ARRIVAL OF THE INDEPENDENT INQUIRY TEAM – The long awaited “Tim
Penyelidik Independen Nasional” (TPIN) (see Report 297 and references) will arrive
today to start its investigation, which will take an estimated six months’ time. Police
chief commander Sunarko said he will guarantee the team members’ safety. He
asked everybody to cooperate with the team in replying to any questions by them
according to the truth.
3. RECONSTRUCTION OF PATTIMURA UNIVERSITY POSTPONED – Impressive
funds are waiting to be spent on reconstruction of the national Universitas Pattimura.
However, the situation in the Muslim area of Poka/Rumahtiga – the original site of the
university – is considered not safe enough to immediately start construction. So part
of the funds will be reallocated in favour of the alternative campus at the fairly neutral
zone near the Pohon Pule bridge in the city of Ambon. Some large new buildings are
already under construction there.
4. MODERATE SUCCESS OF SWEEPING ACTIVITY – During a house-to-house
sweeping action in the Christian neighbourhoods of Mangga Dua, Batugantung and
Gudang Arang, some weaponry, bombs and ammunition was confiscated.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
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