The Jakarta Post, August 01, 2006
Maluku village rebuilds church -- and bridges
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
The atmosphere at Waai village in Salahutu district, Central Maluku regency, Ambon,
seemed markedly different than it was just a few years ago. Thousands of residents
from different religious backgrounds and different villages gathered together in Waai,
which was ravaged in the 2001 Ambon sectarian conflict.
The village, which was dominated by Protestants and Catholics, was totally
devastated then. Not a single building was left standing. More than 9,000 people were
forced to flee across the mountains, taking refuge in nearby villages such as Suli and
Passo.
The conflict is over now. Waai residents were mingling Sunday with villagers from
Tulehu and Liang to witness the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of a
Catholic church on the spot where the former church once stood. Tulehu and Liang,
both dominated by Muslims, waged war against Waai villagers during the conflict.
The Catholic congregation from the Passo parish in Waai could now achieve their
dream of rebuilding their church. The cornerstone was laid by Archbishop S. Wesoly
and Bishop Stefan Wylesek from the John Paul II Vatican Foundation.
Amboina Bishop P.C. Mandagi and Maluku Protestant Church (GPM) head synod
Rev. Jhon Puhulessin, as well as raja (traditional village chiefs), also attended the
ceremony.
The arrival of the guests took place in an atmosphere filled with a spirit of
reconciliation. Thirteen Tulehu youths performed the cakalele dance to greet the
guests at the mouth of the river which borders Tulehu and Waai, ushering them into
Waai.
The Waai GPM band and the whole congregation greeted the entourage with gospel
songs, accompanied by the lenso dance performed by Waai girls. A sense of
harmony was evident from the number of women wearing Muslim head scarves and
men with turbans involved as committee members in the church construction.
Bishop Mandagi said that the church would be named the Johanes Paulus II chapel.
He expressed joy over an atmosphere totally different from the one during the conflict.
He added that not just Catholics suffered in the conflict, but also Muslims and
Protestants.
"I'm happy because Tulehu Muslims and Waai Protestants have warmly greeted us.
Now is not the time for war, but for love and peace," he said.
The head of the Maluku Supervisory Board, J. Pattinama, representing the governor of
Maluku, praised local people's respect for pluralism and expressed hope that it could
become a basis for development in Maluku.
Archbishop Wesoly praised the interfaith tolerance displayed in the effort to rebuild
the church. He expressed happiness at the warm welcome from Muslim and
Protestant residents.
Tulehu village raja Jhon Ohorella said that the conflict between his residents and
those of Waai was part of the past, and that harmony and peace were the main
components of the effort to rebuild Maluku, especially the two neighboring villages.
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