The Jakarta Post, May 23, 2006
Hopes floated for new Ambon mayor
The Jakarta Post, Ambon
Historically, Ambon was a small town built by Portuguese rulers some 400 years ago.
With time, it developed into a multicultural city hosting people of various ethnicities,
cultures and religions. Then sectarian conflict in 1999 turned the city upside down,
separating people in zones with religious labels.
Muslim-Christian clashes left more than 5,000 people dead and hundreds of
thousands homeless. Change came in 2002 when the government lifted the city's civil
emergency status, which had restrained people in their zones and limited them to
separate schools and universities, separate offices, hospitals, markets and even
public transportation and bus terminals.
This year, Ambon residents for the first time exercised their democratic rights,
electing the city's mayor on May 15. Many hope the new leader, who will serve from
2006-2011, can preserve the peace while solving the city's many problems.
"I hope the new mayor and deputy mayor can ensure the city's peace, like now. If
there's conflict, it's us, the poor, who suffer the most. We couldn't work, we feared
that we might become victims. That's my only hope," said Muhammad Rahayaan, a
motorcycle taxi driver, who was waiting for passengers near Al-Fatah Grand Mosque.
Space to do her business was one thing sidewalk trader Maria Wattimena hoped the
new mayor would provide. "Before the conflict, I didn't have to work, but now I have to
earn money to help support my family," said Maria, whose husband lost his job as
porter in the city's port due to the conflict.
Traffic congestion, crowded residential areas and uncleanliness were the problems
Frans Sapulette, a public minivan driver, hoped the new leader could fix.
"Before the conflict, Ambon was dubbed 'Ambon Manise (beautiful Ambon).' The city
won the Adipura cleanliness award several times, But now, it's very dirty," he said.
Religious figures spoke with one voice, hoping the new mayor would continue to work
toward reconciliation and rehabilitation in the city.
The Chairperson of the Inter-Faith Harmony Commission, Nasir Rahawarin of the
Maluku chapter of Indonesian Ulemas Council, said the city should not only be
restored physically, but there should be efforts to help people understand the need to
live harmoniously. "That way, I'm sure the city can become a model of democracy and
pluralism for other regions, many of which have ended up in conflicts due to a failed
democratic process."
Priest Jhon Ruhulessin, chairman of Maluku Protestant Church Synod, hoped the
winner would keep a low profile. The winner is trusted by residents, he said, and "he
should use his power for the benefit of his people. Don't waste the people's trust".
Student activist Husein Marasabessy said people's enthusiasm reflected their wish to
elect their preferred candidate. More than 80 percent of some 180,000 eligible voters
turned out.
"The winning candidate should think realistically about what people really need. Don't
play favorites but develop all sectors based on people's needs," said the chairman of
the Islamic Student Association in Ambon.
Citing an example, he said the new mayor should help in assisting people displaced
because of the conflict. "The new mayor and deputy mayor should be able to set a
good example to all people, by communicating and improving public services," he
said.
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