Kei Islands Emergency Relief Appeal

Where is the problem?
The Maluku Islands of Indonesia, just north of Darwin,(and finish point for the annual Darwin to Ambon Boat Race) has seen two years of politically motivated  violence and destruction. Maluku Province of Indonesia is the former Dutch East Indies (or Spice Islands). Maluku was the scene of much bitter fighting between Australian forces and the Japanese during WW11. Ambon has, reputedly, the largest Australian War Memorial and Cemetery outside mainland Australia. Maluku is as close to Darwin, as Adelaide is to Melbourne.
What is the problem?
Since Jan. 1999, there has been, almost continuous, mayhem, destruction, and violence. There are an estimated 500 000 internal refugees from this violence. Many refugees have fled to the Kei Islands (east of Ambon) for refuge. 
In April 1999, the same militant forces, originating outside the region, destroyed a large number of villages in the Kei Islands. Since then the local Christian and Muslim populations have united in their refusal to be further intimidated by militant forces. Kei has become a sanctuary.
Kei has a normal population of (about) 100 000 and a refugee population estimated at between 100 000 and 160 000. This is on a remote group of islands that saw the destruction of homes, Churches, Mosques, villages, crops, livestock, and nearly all means of basic subsistence living.
Because Kei is remote, it is not receiving the media attention (and therefore international assistance) that is centered on Ambon and other more accessible places.
What is urgently needed?
Urgently required is food, clothing, medicine, tools, building materials, clean bandages, antibiotics, antiseptics, medical equipment, tarpaulins, cement, roofing iron, towels, cutlery, crockery, nails, hammers, hoes, rakes saws, seeds, fishing line and tackle, school books, texts, pens, pencils tables, chairs, you name it – these people DO NOT have it. All they have is a few meager possessions and the hope that there is some compassion from others to assist.

How to help?
The Uniting Church administers this appeal. 100% of donations will be forwarded DIRECTLY to the Uniting Church’s “sister” church in Kei. This is called the Gereja Protestan Maluku (GPM) Klasis Kei (Kei Diocese).
The Uniting Church in Australia and the GPM are working together to reduce the illness, starvation, and death in this region so close to Australia
 Donations can be forwarded   to 
	Uniting Church Overseas Aid
   	 Kei Islands Emergency Appeal
PO Box A2266 Sydney South 1235
 	 Free Call 1800 998 122 (Within Australia)
All donations over $2.00 are tax deductible.
To maximize YOUR donation we will personally deliver the ENTIRE fund to an authorized representative of GPM, in Indonesia, where they can purchase the basics of life without incurring massive shipping costs from Australia.
This is possible only because we already have a representative of the Uniting Church in Australia going to Indonesia in May, so transport costs WILL NOT be deducted from the fund. 100% will be given directly where it is needed, to those in need, regardless of religious identity.
How Much?
All donations are gratefully received and in this case, it is possible to magnify the benefits by becoming part of a greater “Whole”.
1kg rice is (about) $0.60.          Tools are (about) 1/3 price to Aust.
Medicines and medical equipment is (about) ½ price to Aust.
A semi-permanent house (salvaged timber and leaves for a roof), is (about)$10.00 (and tens of 000’s are homeless).
Cement and galvanized iron are VERY expensive
Potable (clean) water is a scarce (and expensive) commodity
Please see overleaf for full details of single and group donations.

Presidential Endorsement
“The Kei Islands, often known by anthropologists as the “forgotten islands”, have indeed been forgotten by the international community. However, some of the most intensive violence that has erupted throughout Indonesia has taken place in this area.
Although not as widespread as Ambon, the violence in the Kei Islands never the less has devastated this isolated community. Fortunately, the Barmera and Berri Congregations of the Uniting Church in Australia have a deep personal connection with the area. They are heading an appeal for emergency relief and reconstruction in the Kei Islands.
I strongly endorse this appeal and ask you to give as generously as you can. These islands are close to Australia. Let them also be close to our hearts.”

Rev Professor James Haire
President
Uniting Church in Australia

***********Please detach and include with your donation***************
Name…………………..…………………………………………………………………………………..
Address…………………………………………………………………………………………………….
………………………………………………………………………………P/Code……………………
Make cheques payable to the Uniting Church Kei Islands.Appeal
Uniting Church Overseas Aid
    	Kei Islands Emergency Appeal
    	PO Box A2266 Sydney South 1235 Australia Freecall: 1800 998 122
    	OR Fax the completed form to 02 8267 4222  OR
Please debit the amount of$1000. $500. $100. $50. $30.$20. $10. (Indicate amount) to my Master Card     : Visa Card:       Bank Card (Indicate type)
Card No…………………………….. ExpiryDate…………… 
Name on Card……………………………………………………………..
Signature………………………………………………………………….
HELPLESS!        HOMELESS! FORGOTTEN! 
<Picture has been deleted to save space>
One of many villages destroyed on  “Little Kei” Island; and (below) a family of three generations with ALL their goods and memories.
<Picture has been deleted to save space>
Kei Island Emergency Relief Appeal