Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS), 30 Jul 2004
JRS Dispatches No. 154
Refugee News Briefings
Indonesia: Displaced in Ambon still live in uncertainty
Hundreds of both Muslim and Christian families were forced to flee their homes during
the riots that erupted in Ambon, Moluccas Islands in April. Different from the violence
that erupted in 1999, which brought on a brutal civil war, the April incident did not turn
into a long lasting sectarian conflict between Muslim and Christian communities, and
did not spread beyond Ambon Island. The situation was brought under control within
few weeks, and life has returned to normal for most people in Ambon.
"However, many displaced families still live in uncertainty. The government has been
slow in responding to their pleas, JRS Moluccas information officer Ms Melanie
Wahyu Wulandari told Dispatches.
"Many of the houses plundered and burnt in April were houses built with government
assistance for persons displaced by the 1999 violence. These families have been
displaced again and forced to live in poorly equipped barracks. Further displacement
means starting anew. Only a few have been able to save their most valuable
belongings, but most were left with only one set of clothing. Many families have one
mattress to share, and they struggle to build temporary accommodation to secure a
bit of privacy. Before April, the internally displaced people were optimistic about return
or resettlement. Now, their dreams and expectations have been shattered", explained
Ms Wulandari.
During the crisis JRS provided emergency assistance to the displaced. It provided
both Muslim and Christian families with necessary items such as mats, mosquito
nets, sheets, clothes and hygiene articles. In addition, it provided the children school
uniforms, books, pens and pencils to enable them to continue their education.
"While we continue to try to meet the people's basic needs, we focus on peace
building and reconciliation in the Moluccas to prevent future outbreaks of violence",
added Ms Wulandari.
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JRS DISPATCHES is from the International Office of Jesuit Refugee Service, CP
6139, 00195 Roma Prati, Italy. Tel: +39-06 689.77.390; Fax: +39-06 688 06 418;
Email: dispatches@jrs.net; JRS on-line: http://www.jrs.net
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