THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 360 (31/03/2003) #5243
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, March 29, 2003
DEMONSTRATION ANTI AMERICA On Thursday, March 27, a group of students
from the Muslim STAIN Academy went up to the provincial House of Representatives
building at Karang Panjang to protest against the attack on Iraq by the USA and its
allies. One of their statements was their objection against the inauguration of the
recently built new UN Office building on Anthony Rheebock Street, Ambon, since the
UN proved to be unable to properly protect human rights. It was even suggested that
they were backing up the Moluccas Independence Movement (RMS).
Short trip report (31/03/2003) #5242
Jubilee Campaign USA
We visited humanitarian projects that we have been sponsoring, including the ones
outside Ambon island. We were able to visit different refugee camps as well, including
a Muslim camp. The condition of those camps, regardless of whose camps they
were, are still a very serious concern and very inhumane. Rehabilitation programs
seem to be experiencing a lot of difficult issues, and the biggest one is KKN
(Corruption, Collusion, Nepotism). We were also able to meet and interview some
community leaders from the Muslim side and to learn and understand their
perspectives about issues.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 121 (31/03/2003) #5241
22 March - 28 March 2003
ACEH * According to local media reports, 2 civilians were killed during the week.
CENTRAL SULAWESI * IMC conducted "Integrated Management Childhood
Illnesses" training in Health Research Center (Balai Penelitian Kesehatan or
Baplekes) Palu from 23 to 30 March. Some twenty health staff from nine puskesmas
in North Lore, Poso Pesisir, Poso Kota, Noth Pamona and Tojo sub-district, where
the conflict occurred, attended the training.
MALUKU * A local newspaper, Ambon Ekspress, reported on Sunday (23 Mar.) that a
huge bomb-blast took place in the cross border of Mardika-Batu Merah on Saturday
(22 Mar.) at 20.20 local time. No casualties were reported and the police is
investigating the case, however, they have not been able to identify any motive of the
bombing.
NORTH MALUKU * Two demonstrations condemning the US attack on Iraq took
place in front of the UNRC this week. The first demonstration, that was run by the
Unity Nahdlatul Ummat Party (Partai Persatuan Nahdlatul Ummat or PPNU), took
place on Monday (24 Mar.) with some 100 participants. The second demonstration
took place on Tuesday (25 Mar.) and was run by students from Muhammadiyah
University. At the second demonstration, the demonstrators demanded the UN to
lower down its flag as a symbol that the UN office in North Maluku showed its
sympathy for the people in Iraq.
PAPUA * Radio Australia News reported on Monday (24 Mar.) that according to the
Indonesian navy, GoRI planned to build a second naval base in Papua to counter
illegal foreign fishermen and timber smugglers.
Large anti-war demonstration in Indonesian capital (31/03/2003) #5240
ABC AUSTRALIA, 30/03/2003 22:28:16
In Indonesia, up to 50,000 people have gathered in a largely peaceful anti-war protest
outside the US and British embassies in Jakarta.
Vanuatu backs Papuan independence (31/03/2003) #5236
ABC AUSTRALIA, 28/03/2003 16:08:31
Vanuatu's foreign minister, Serge Vohor, says support for the Indonesian province of
Papua's independence is one of his country's major foreign policy components.
INDONESIA: Fears of return to armed conflict in Aceh (31/03/2003) #5235
ABC AUSTRALIA, 28/03/2003 21:51:23
There are fears in Jakarta that the war in Iraq is diverting attention from a conflict
much closer to home - in the province of Aceh. Under a demilitarisation deal signed
four months ago, Indonesian military and police who've been controlling the province
for over a decade, were due to start to withdraw from villages to regional barracks.
Free Aceh Movement rebels fighting for independence for the province were to begin
laying down their weapons. But a stand-off has developed between the two sides, with
neither trusting the other.
 listen
Nine injured in Papuan tribal violence (28/03/2003) #5232
ABC AUSTRALIA, 27/03/2003 20:29:55
Nine people, including a policeman, have been seriously injured in a tribal battle in
Indonesia's Papua province.
Minister urges watch on Islamic schools (28/03/2003) #5231
The Age [Australia], March 28 2003
By Orietta Guerrera, Andra Jackson. Federal Education Minister Brendan Nelson has
written to his state counterparts asking them to ensure Islamic schools were meeting
curriculum requirements, and not encouraging anti-Christian and anti-Western
sentiments among their students.
Osama must be laughing (28/03/2003) #5230
The Age [Australia], March 28 2003
By Fawaz Gerges. The US-led invasion of Iraq has blurred the lines between
mainstream, liberal and radical politics in the world of Islam and has dissipated much
of the empathy felt by Arabs toward America after the September 11 attacks.
DPM Vohor says Vanuatu will not sell Indonesia its cattle (28/03/2003) #5229
NEWSVU [Vanuatu], Thursday, March 27, 2003
By Ricky Binihi. The opening of the West Papuan People's Office in Port Vila amidst
pressure from Indonesia reaffirms the vow Vanuatu entered into with other colonised
indigenous people of the South Pacific over 23 years ago - Vanuatu will support them
in their struggle for Independence once it gains its freedom.
Peace in Poso still fragile (27/03/2003) #5227
The Jakarta Post, March 27, 2003
Ridwan Max Sijabat, The Jakarta Post, Poso, Central Sulawesi. Despite the calm in
Poso since the signing of the Malino accord, peace in the Central Sulawesi regency
is still so fragile that it could easily be shattered.
Students Threaten to Expel Westerners (27/03/2003) #5224
LAKSAMANA.Net, March 26, 2003 11:57 PM
Laksamana.Net - Muslim students in Ambon, Maluku province, have threatened to
round up and expel Americans, Britons and Australians in protest of the US-led
military assault on Iraq.
Muslim council recommends 'financial' jihad for Iraq (27/03/2003) #5223
The Jakarta Post, 3/26/2003 8:55:40 PM
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) asked the country's Muslims
here on Wednesday to unleash a "financial", rather than a "physical", jihad for Iraq.
Muslim Council Calls For Financial Jihad (27/03/2003) #5222
LAKSAMANA.Net, March 26, 2003 11:43 PM
Laksamana.Net - The Indonesian Ulemas Association (MUI) has urged the nations
Muslims to wage a financial, rather than a physical, jihad (holy war) to help Iraq in its
struggle against US-led military invaders.
Top Bali bomb suspect blasts U.S. attack on Iraq (27/03/2003) #5221
The Jakarta Post, 3/26/2003 7:17:40 PM
DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Imam Samudra, a top suspect in the Bali bombings slammed
the U.S. attack on Iraq and urged Saddam Hussein to sit tight when he appeared
before prosecutors on Wednesday in preparation for his trial.
Bali bombing suspect calls for victory in Iraq (27/03/2003) #5220
ABC AUSTRALIA, 26/03/2003 22:57:00
One of the organisers of the October 2002 Bali bomb attacks has called on fellow
Muslims to support Iraq as he was handed over to prosecutors.
Papuan separatist leader John Mambor dies (27/03/2003) #5219
The Jakarta Post, 3/26/2003 12:37:47 PM
JAKARTA (JP): A Papuan separatist leader has died here after a long illness, his
colleague said Wednesday.
Papuan independence leader dies (27/03/2003) #5218
ABC AUSTRALIA, 26/03/2003 17:06:16
A Papuan separatist leader has died in the Indonesian capital, Jakarta, after a long
illness.
Indonesia wants foreign travel advisories rectified (26/03/2003) #5217
The Jakarta Post, March 26, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda asked on
Tuesday the United States, Britain and Australia to correct their travel advice for
Indonesia, saying that information on terrorist threats and possible violence during
anti-war rallies here were groundless.
Police name 10 GPI members as suspects (26/03/2003) #5216
The Jakarta Post, March 26, 2003
Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Less than 24 hours after arresting 10
members of the Islamic Youth Movement (GPI) for allegedly targeting non-nationals in
connection with an antiwar rally, police named on Tuesday the activists as criminal
suspects.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 359 (26/03/2003) #5214
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, March 25, 2003
ANTI AMERICA DEMONSTRATION Today several hundreds of Muslim students
went up to the alternative governor's office at Perigi Lima (Ambon), protesting against
the attack on Iraq by the USA and its allies. All female students, without exception,
wore their headscarves. They showed banners with slogans like "Bush is a terrorist",
Bush is insane", "the UN is America's puppet". Some shouted they were prepared to
enlist and depart as jihad fighters to protect the innocent Iraqis. They demanded that
the acting governor should not inaugurate the newly built UN headoffice. The
demonstration took place orderly. Meanwhile other students convened in a mosque in
Batumerah to pray for the troubled Iraqis.
Jakarta pledges to protect foreigners from unrest (26/03/2003) #5212
ABC AUSTRALIA, 25/03/2003 22:10:40
The Indonesian Government is promising to safeguard foreigners and their assets in
the wake of continuing protests against the Iraq war.
C. Aceh roads opened amid 'jihad' (25/03/2003) #5211
The Jakarta Post, March 25, 2003
Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh. Despite allegations infamous pro-Jakarta
militia Laskar Jihad are waging a "holy war" against pro-independence forces in
Central Aceh, public transportation services resumed on Monday to ease the
regency's isolation.
Jihad unnecessary in Iraq war: RI leaders (25/03/2003) #5210
The Jakarta Post, March 25, 2003
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Yogyakarta. The
government and religious leaders said on Monday jihad in Iraq could be performed in
many ways other than sending volunteers to fight against the United States and its
allies.
Police rescue westerners from youths in Jakarta (25/03/2003) #5209
ABC AUSTRALIA, 25/03/2003 02:16:44
In Indonesia, ten members of an Islamic youth group have been arrested, after trying
to attack westerners after an anti-war rally in Jakarta.
Court upholds Ba'asyir's detention (25/03/2003) #5208
The Jakarta Post, 3/24/2003 1:19:16 PM
JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta Court ruled on Monday that the detention of terror
suspect Abu Bakar Ba'asyir is lawful and rejected a suit from his lawyers seeking the
release of the elderly Muslim cleric.
Indonesian court rejects call to free detained cleric (25/03/2003) #5207
ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/03/2003 21:15:39
An Indonesian court has rejected a lawsuit demanding the release of terror suspect
Abu Bakar Bashir, ruling his detention is legal.
Hundreds of Muslims register as volunteers for Iraq war (24/03/2003) #5206
The Jakarta Post, 3/23/2003 6:56:33 PM
JAKARTA (JP): More than 400 Muslims registered here on Sunday as volunteers to
help Iraqi troops fight against U.S.-led military aggression, Metro TV reported.
US renews travel warning, citing possible retaliatory attacks (24/03/2003) #5205
ABC AUSTRALIA, 23/03/2003 17:39:01
The United States has cited the possibility of retaliatory attacks for the war in Iraq, as
it renewed its existing terrorism-related warning for Indonesia.
Australians warned of possible terror attack in Indonesian (24/03/2003) #5204
ABC AUSTRALIA, 23/03/2003 08:09:50
Australians in Indonesia have been warned that a possible terror attack could be
planned for tomorrow in one of the country's largest cities.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS - Report No. 358 (24/03/2003) #5202
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, March 21, 2003
Note: It seems that hotmail.com does not allow anymore to send out 500 messages
within 24 hours, but restricting it to some 80 messages. We are trying out now Yahoo.
Thus, please allow puspaskup@yahoo.co.uk to enter your mailbox. We apologize for
any inconvenience. Any technical help to overcome this difficulty is welcome! (cjb)
INTERNAL CONFLICT OF CHRISTIANS In the early hours of March 19 a conflict
between some Passo young people and several in Passo staying youths from the
destroyed village of Waai resulted in the death of Jhon Limbong (24), a Passo
resident, who was killed by a throng of Waai youngsters. The conflict had already
started in the afternoon of March 18, when Kiler Parera (25) from Passo, was
seriously injured at his head by a mob of drunken young people from Waai. Security
forces managed to put a halt to the bloody feud.
Ambon: Social Tensions, Not Religious (24/03/2003) #5201
MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 21/3/2003 23:06
General, Standard. In the early hours of March 19 a conflict between some Passo
young people and several in Passo staying youths from the destroyed village of Waai
resulted in the death of Jhon Limbong (24), a Passo resident, who was killed by a
throng of Waai youngsters. The conflict had already started in the afternoon of March
18, when Kiler Parera (25) from Passo, was seriously injured at his head by a mob of
drunken young people from Waai. Security forces managed to put a halt to the bloody
feud.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 120 (24/03/2003) #5200
15 - 21 March 2003
MALUKU * A local newspaper, Ambon Ekspress reported on Monday (17 Mar.) that
the leaders of FKM/RMS, dr. Alexander Manuputty and Samuel Waleruny, could not
be taken to Jakarta by the police on Saturday (15 Mar.), but that they would be on
Monday (17 Mar.). Confirming this arrangement, the Head of Police (Kapolda) of
Maluku, Brig. Gen Police Bambang Sutrisno SH, stated that the arrest was according
to the procedure set forth by the appellate court decree from the North Jakarta High
Court after the failure (refusal) of Alex and Sammy's appeal to a higher court. They will
be imprisoned for 3 years serving.
NORTH MALUKU * FAO had a mission to Tobelo to evaluate the impact of its Seeds
and Tools project on the targeted beneficiaries including their food security.
PAPUA * A local newspaper, Cendrawasih Pos, reported on Friday (21 Mar) on a
demonstration against the division of Papua into three provinces held at the DPRD
Building in Jayapura on Thursday (20 Mar.), by the Students Association of the
Highlands and by the senates of Universitas Cendrawasih.
Indonesia's new Bill 'trying to Islamise education' (24/03/2003) #5199
The Straits Times, Friday March 21, 2003
By Devi Asmarani. JAKARTA - Indonesia's educators and religious leaders have
called on Parliament to drop a new education Bill amid fears its controversial content
will threaten private schools' autonomy and encourage religious segregation in the
country.
Teachers hired to teach kids in troubled regions (21/03/2003) #5198
The Jakarta Post, March 21, 2003
Yuli Tri Suwarni, The Jakarta Post, Bandung, West Java. The government has begun
a program to provide additional training to contract teachers working in conflict zones.
Indonesian radicals call for blood (21/03/2003) #5196
CNN, Thursday, March 20, 2003 Posted: 1216 GMT ( 8:16 PM HKT)
By Amy Chew. Special to CNN. JAKARTA, Indonesia -- Muslim radicals in Indonesia
called for America's blood as security forces brace for a backlash in the world's
largest Muslim country in response to the U.S.-led war on Iraq.
Asia reacts to news of war in Iraq (20/03/2003) #5194
ABC AUSTRALIA, 20/03/2003 18:04:53
Countries across Asia have reacted to the news of a US-led attack on Iraq.
Muslim extremists threaten Westerners in Indonesia (20/03/2003) #5192
ABC AUSTRALIA, 20/03/2003 17:11:41
Australians, Americans and Britons in Indonesia have been threatened by an
extremist Islamic group.
FPI Tells Westerners to Leave Indonesia (20/03/2003) #5191
LAKSAMANA.Net, March 19, 2003 05:50 PM
Laksamana.Net - The radical Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), notorious for attacking
Jakarta nightspots, has told Americans, Britons and Australians to leave Indonesia
before US-led forces invade Iraq.
Asian Muslims condemn US "attack on humanity" (20/03/2003) #5190
ABC AUSTRALIA, 20/03/2003 18:04:24
Muslim leaders in Asia have condemned the attack on Iraq, vowing Americans will
never live in peace again.
Security alert from British embassy in Jakarta (20/03/2003) #5189
ABC AUSTRALIA, 20/03/2003 14:07:27
The British embassy in Jakarta says terrorists may take advantage of tensions over
Iraq to launch an attack against Westerners.
Indon group orders us out (20/03/2003) #5187
The Australian, March 19, 2003
AN Islamic group notorious for its raids on Jakarta nightspots has told Australians,
Americans and Britons to leave Indonesia before allied forces enter Iraq.
Britain warns of Iraq-related attacks in Indonesia (20/03/2003) #5186
ABC AUSTRALIA, 20/03/2003 04:43:35
Britain has warned its citizens in Indonesia that tension over Iraq could prompt
attacks on Western interests, and suggested they avoid places frequented by
foreigners.
Britain warns of Iraq-related attacks in Indonesia (20/03/2003) #5185
AlertNet, 19 Mar 2003 10:09
By Jerry Norton. JAKARTA, March 19 (Reuters) - Britain has warned its citizens in
Indonesia that tension over Iraq could prompt attacks on Western interests, and
suggested they avoid places frequented by foreigners.
West Papua - Still struggling for freedom (20/03/2003) #5182
An Phoblacht/Republican News [Ireland], Thursday 13 March 2003
Sem Karoba is a student leader and representative of the West Papua Presidium
Council (West Papua's alternative to the Indonesian government) who is on his
second visit to Ireland, lobbying for international support for his people. More than
100,000 West Papuans have been killed in the last 41 years. For all these years,
people in West Papua have fought for the right to self-determination.
Detained Separatist Leaders Transferred To Jakarta (19/03/2003) #5181
MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 18/3/2003 16:33
Church/Religious Affairs, Standard. The Christian separatist leaders Alex Manuputty
and Semmy Waeleruny were arrested in Ambon(administrative capital of the
Moluccas archipelagos), and were later transferred to Jakarta, where they are to serve
their three year imprisonment sentence. It was reported to MISNA by the Catholic
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, specifying that the incident unleashed multiple
reactions throughout the Moluccas.
Kopassus lawyer calls Theys' murder suspects 'heroes' (19/03/2003) #5180
The Jakarta Post, March 19, 2003
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. A lawyer representing seven military officers in their trial for
the murder of Papuan separatist leader Theys Hiyo Eluay, called them "heroes" and
warned that punishing them would set a bad example for other soldiers in conflict
zones.
Rev. Damanik on Trial (19/03/2003) #5176
Jubilee Campaign USA, March 18, 2003
PALU, Indonesia - The prosecution called its first witnesses yesterday in the case of
Rev. Rinaldy Damanik, a humanitarian aid worker being tried in Palu, the capitol of
Central Sulawesi, on a dubious weapons possession charge. A Jubilee Campaign
team attending the trial heard the testimonies of two policemen regarding the incident
leading to Damanik's arrest.
Lawyers tell court Indonesian soldiers were 'heroes' (19/03/2003) #5175
ABC AUSTRALIA, 18/03/2003 21:56:08
Lawyers for four Indonesian soldiers accused of murdering a separatist leader in
Papua province have described their clients as heroes who had struggled to prevent
the country from breaking up.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS - Report No. 357 (18/03/2003) #5173
Renewed tenseness is gradually building up in Ambon.
Police detain Manuputty (18/03/2003) #5172
The Jakarta Post, March 18, 2003
JAKARTA: Police detained convicted leader of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM)
Alexander Manuputty upon his arrival on Monday from Ambon, his lawyer said.
Statement Of (Concern) And Call For Moral (Conscience) (18/03/2003) #5165
MASARIKU NETWORK
Since the discovery of (a cache of) explosives by the Police Resort of Sorong in the
office godown of Bina Tirta Company of Sorong and the private home of Haj Muhamad
Koya on Wednesday, 19th February 2003, the (relative) calm of (local) residents has
turned into deep concern. In view of the situation, questions are being raised by the
people:
Islam's Unholy War (18/03/2003) #5164
CNSNews, March 10, 2003
By Alan Caruba. CNSNews.com Commentary from the National Anxiety Center. I
used to think there was substance to the notion that the attacks on Israel were due to
the "desperation" of the so-called Palestinians. I have long since abandoned that
theory.
Indonesian cleric to challenge plans to hold him (17/03/2003) #5163
ABC AUSTRALIA, 17/03/2003 08:13:48
Detained Indonesian Muslim radical Abu Bakar Bashir is preparing to challenge plans
to hold him after police changed their minds over the charges.
Freeport confirms allowances for military, police in Papua (17/03/2003) #5162
The Jakarta Post, March 16, 2003
Tiarma Siboro and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. U.S. gold and
copper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia confirmed on Saturday that it had paid
the Indonesian Military (TNI) protection money totaling US$5.6 million in 2002.
Aceh, Papua, Ambon still closed to foreign researchers (17/03/2003) #5161
The Jakarta Post, March 15, 2003
JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian provinces of Aceh and Papua, as well as Ambon city
in Maluku province, are still closed to foreign researchers for security reasons, an
official said on Friday.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS - Report No. 356 (17/03/2003) #5158
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, March 13, 2003
VISITING AMBON The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Jakarta has decided not to
issue an entry permit for the Moluccas to foreigners that are residents of the
Netherlands, starting on March 11 up to April 25, 2003. Thus was announced by the
local Civil Emergency Administrator. This measure has undoubtedly to do with an
effort of minimizing the possibility of unrest on and around April 25, the annual
commemoration of RMS Independence day.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 119 (17/03/2003) #5157
8 March - 14 March 2003
ACEH * Four new Peace Zones were officially inaugurated from 8 to 10 March in Tiro
sub-district of Pidie district, Peusangan sub-district of Bireuen district, Simpang
Keramat sub-district of North Aceh district, and Idi Tunong sub-district of East Aceh
district. The inauguration ceremonies went smoothly without any provocation, except
in Tiro sub-district. Local newspaper, Serambi, reported on Sunday, (9 Mar.) that
thousands of local settlers attended the ceremony in Tiro sub-district waving GAM
flags and shouting for independence. The local TNI Commander protested against this
act and called it a strict violation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA).
CENTRAL SULAWESI * A local newspaper, Radar Sulteng, reported on Tuesday (11
Mar.) that Commission I and III of the House of Representative conducted an official
visit to Central Sulawesi. The members of the commissions addressed questions on
the follow-up of Malino Agreement and the handling procedure of IDPs in the province
(Poso IDPs). Mr. Samijono, the Provincial Secretary, informed that the situation in
Poso has gradually improved. The local authorities are willing to do their best to
manage the situation, but they are facing problems in regard to funds. The Central
Government has to provide some IDR 34 billion to handle IDPs issues in Central
Sulawesi this year.
MALUKU * The police removed two home-made bombs that were discovered by
workers on the roof of Alfatah mosque in Ambon city on Thursday (13 Mar.). So far,
there is no information on suspects or motives for the incident. A local newspaper,
Siwalima, reported on Friday (14 Mar) that another home-made bomb was discovered
on Thursday (13 Mar.) in a local market in a suburb of Ambon City, Batu Mera. The
bomb was also safely taken care of by the security forces.
NORTH MALUKU * A local newspaper, Mimbar Kieraha, reported on Monday (10
Mar.) that after ten days of discussion, finally the Regional People's Representative
Council (DPRD) approved the North Maluku Area Income and Expenditure Estimate
(APBD) for the year 2003 on Saturday (8 Mar.). In the budget, the Local Government
expects to achieve this year's income of IDR 258,60 billion that is 1,94% higher than
last year's of IDR 253,67 billion.
PAPUA * A local newspaper, Cendrawasih Pos, quoted the Head of District Police,
AKBP Drs. Faisal AN on Monday (10 Mar.), saying that the investigation on the
finding of 12 high explosive home-made bombs in Sorong town is ongoing. The three
suspects are now under intensive interrogation by the police.
Bombs found planted on Ambon mosque (17/03/2003) #5156
ABC AUSTRALIA, 13/03/2003 21:50:12
Workers in the Indonesian city of Ambon have found two homemade bombs on the
roof of the main mosque, the scene of bloody Muslim-Christian clashes in the past.
Bombs found in Ambon mosque (14/03/2003) #5155
The Jakarta Post, March 14, 2003
Muhammad Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon. Police have defused two
homemade bombs found on Thursday outside the Al Fatah grand mosque in the city
of Ambon, renewing fears of heightened tension that could threaten the fragile peace
in the province, which has been torn by years of sectarian clashes.
Police say arson was behind fire at ministry (14/03/2003) #5154
The Jakarta Post, March 14, 2003
Damar Harsanto and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The police
confirmed on Thursday that the fire that razed the sixth floor of the finance ministry
building and destroyed records of state assets last Tuesday was an act of arson.
Bombs found on roof of main mosque in Ambon (14/03/2003) #5153
The Jakarta Post, 3/13/2003 1:56:32 PM
JAKARTA (Agencies): Workers on Thursday found two home-made bombs on the roof
of the Al Fatah Mosque, the main mosque in the Maluku capital of Ambon, the scene
of bloody Muslim-Christian clashes in the past, agencies reported.
Freeport paid TNI US$5.6m in 'protection money': report (14/03/2003) #5152
The Jakarta Post, 3/13/2003 7:58:28 PM
JAKARTA (JP): The U.S. Freeport company paid the Indonesian military (TNI) about
US$5.6 million last year to protect employees of its giant copper and gold mine in
Papua province, according to a report released Thursday.
Papua split would lead to corruption: Analysts (14/03/2003) #5151
The Jakarta Post, March 13, 2003
Moch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The decision to split Papua into three
smaller provinces will only benefit a few wealthy people and increase corruption
among public officials who do not have the support of the Papuan people, analysts
said.
Indonesia: Trouble Across The Archipelago (13/03/2003) #5149
Pakistan Christian Post, Thu 13th March, 2003
Religious tensions are simmering across the Indonesian archipelago. In Maluku, four
Pakistani Islamists were deported on 26 February for provocative activities. These
included preaching sermons that the police said had the potential to re-ignite religious
conflict.
FBI continues Papauan murder probe (13/03/2003) #5147
ABC AUSTRALIA, 12/03/2003 20:33:17
United States Federal Bureau of Investigation agents will return to Indonesia's Papua
province within weeks as part of an investigation into the murder of two Americans
there.
Military return to power would open old wound (13/03/2003) #5145
The Jakarta Post, March 12, 2003
Ardimas Sasdi, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, ardimas@thejakartapost.com.
After laying low and being in a defensive mood for almost five years the military has
made it surprisingly clear that it aims to return to power by shooting three salvos
within a matter of days of each other in the last two weeks.
Power Tug-of-War (13/03/2003) #5144
TEMPO Magazine, No. 27/III/March 11 - 17, 2003
President Megawati has quietly signed two government regulations in an attempt to
curb the power of local administrations.
Oil giant gets Indonesia warning (13/03/2003) #5143
BBC World News, Wednesday, 12 March, 2003, 00:11 GMT
By Manuela Saragosa. BBC Business reporter. Energy firm BP has been warned
against relying on Indonesia's military as it develops a huge new gas field in a remote,
poor area of West Papua province.
BP panel warns of risk to human rights in Indonesia (13/03/2003) #5142
The Guardian, Wednesday March 12, 2003
Terry Macalister. BP has been warned by a panel of experts led by the US senator,
George Mitchell, that it could trigger human rights abuses if it proceeds with a $2bn
gas scheme in Indonesia.
Indonesia retains most-corrupt status (12/03/2003) #5140
ABC AUSTRALIA, 12/03/2003 02:04:33
Indonesia is still considered to be the most corrupt country in Asia according to a
survey released this week.
RI tops Asian corruption league: survey (12/03/2003) #5139
The Jakarta Post, 3/11/2003 5:17:22 PM
HONG KONG (JP): Indonesia is still top of the Asian corruption league but expatriate
businessmen say the problem is accelerating most quickly in China, a survey of the
Asian Intelligence released on Tuesday.
On an Indonesian Island, a Reverence for Tolerance (12/03/2003) #5138
The New York Times, Tuesday, March 11, 2003
By JANE PERLEZ. MAUMERE, Indonesia Until recently, the poor and largely
Catholic island of Flores was considered immune from the often-violent clashes
between Muslims and Christians that have occurred in other parts of Indonesia.
Papuans protest new provinces (11/03/2003) #5136
The Jakarta Post, March 11, 2003
JAYAPURA, Papua: A crowd of some 100 students demonstrated on Monday before
the provincial legislature against Jakarta's move to split Papua into three provinces,
arguing it would attract more migrants to the natural resources-rich, yet sparely
populated region.
A Papuan free for all (11/03/2003) #5135
The Sydney Morning Herald, March 11 2003
An independence movement in the Indonesian province of Papua threatens to turn into
a humanitarian disaster and bring new tensions to the fragile ties between Canberra
and Jakarta. Craig Skehan reports.
Ba'asyir sues prosecutors (11/03/2003) #5134
The Jakarta Post, March 11, 2003
JAKARTA: Lawyers for Abu Bakar Ba'asyir filed suit against the Jakarta Prosecutor's
Office on Monday for extending the detention of their client, which they said was
unlawful because the prosecutors had changed the charges.
New Zealand steps up travel warning to RI (11/03/2003) #5133
The Jakarta Post, 3/10/2003 9:11:32 PM
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (JP): The New Zealand government reissued an official
advisory against travel to Indonesia on Monday, warning that widespread
demonstrations could follow an attack on Iraq, DPA reported.
Strong quake jolts Manado and Ternate (11/03/2003) #5132
The Jakarta Post, 3/10/2003 3:18:29 PM
JAKARTA (Agencies): A stong earthqake at 5.8 on the Richter scale shook parts of
eastern Indonesia on Monday, causing panic but no reported damage, agencies
reported.
Howard links Iraq war to Bali (11/03/2003) #5131
The Age [Australia], March 10 2003
By Phillip Hudson, Political Correspondent, Auckland. Prime Minister John Howard
has spoken of the potential for Australian casualties in a war against Iraq, saying
people should remember the Bali massacre if Australians are sent into battle.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS - Report No. 355 (10/03/2003) #5128
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, March 8, 2003
NUMBER OF FOREIGNERS ADMITTED The number of foreigners that has been
allowed to enter Ambon during the first two months of this year, is 104. However, it is
supposed that an additional number has succeeded to enter the area by ship, without
permission.
Tracking the roots of Jamaah Islamiyah (10/03/2003) #5126
The Jakarta Post, March 08, 2003
Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta. The eloquent phrase "Jamaah
Islamiyah", meaning "Islamic community", has lost its innocence.
Abu Bakar Ba'asyir at the center of controversy (10/03/2003) #5125
The Jakarta Post, March 08, 2003
Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta. Forcing the religious conversion of a
state and government and justifying any means to carry that out. This appears to be
the stigma Muslim cleric Abu Bakar Ba'asyir bears following the Bali bomb blasts that
killed 202 people on Oct. 12 last year.
Kasui: Little Hope For Return Of Christians (10/03/2003) #5123
That Fled From Islamisation
MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 7/3/2003 15:45
One may remember the Islamisation that starting towards the end of November
2000 took place on Kasui, a small island South-East of Seram island, involving
some 800 Christians.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 118 (10/03/2003) #5122
1 March - 7 March 2003
ACEH * 3 civilians were killed during the week according to the local media reports.
CENTRAL SULAWESI * A local newspaper, Radar Sulteng, reported on Saturday (1
Mar.) that three snipers in Poso district were arrested by the police on 25 January in
Ampibabo sub-district of Parigi Moutong district. Some twenty youth staged a
peaceful demonstration on Tuesday (4 Mar.) in Poso Kota sub-district. The
demonstration demanded the implementation of sharia law.
MALUKU * A local newspaper, Siwalima, reported on Tuesday (4 Mar.) that a clash
involving two groups of youth from Ohoijang village and Watdek village in Tual
sub-district of Southeast Maluku district occurred on Sunday night (2 Mar.). The clash
caused a temporary displacement from the vicinity. No casualty or damage was
reported and the security forces have gained control of the situation.
NORTH MALUKU * CARDI conducted a technical assessment on water and
sanitation programme in Gusane Puncak and Tauro villages of Ibu sub-district.
PAPUA * The Jakarta Post reported on Thursday (6 Mar.) that the Indonesian military
prosecutors demanded prison terms ranging from two to three years for four Kopassus
soldiers who are accused of killing a Papuan pro-independence leader, Theys Hiyo
Eluay, in November 2001.
Bashir escapes Bali charges (10/03/2003) #5121
The Age [Australia], March 7 2003
By Mark Forbes, Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Canberra. The alleged leader of the
Jemaah Islamiah terrorist group, Abu Bakar Bashir, will not be charged over the Bali
bombings despite being implicated by some of those involved, Indonesian police chief
General Da' Bachtiar has confirmed.
Jihad warriors back in business (10/03/2003) #5120
WorldNetDaily, March 7, 2003
An Islamic militant group that has slaughtered thousands of Christians in Indonesia
continues to operate despite formally announcing it had disbanded.
Kontras says military involved in attack on JSC office (10/03/2003) #5119
The Jakarta Post, March 08, 2003
BANDA ACEH (JP): An Army-backed militia and soldiers were involved in Monday's
attack on the office of a peace monitoring team in Aceh province, a human rights
group said Friday.
Why thugs can hijack 'jihad' (10/03/2003) #5118
Asia Times, March 6, 2003
By Phar Kim Beng. HONG KONG - The bombings on Tuesday at the airport in Davao
City, Philippines, have resurrected the fear of Islamic militancy in Southeast Asia, a
problem that began to take on a greater urgency with the October 12 bombings in
Kuta, a prime tourist haunt in Bali, Indonesia. The bloodshed in Kuta compelled the
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to look at the problem as a regional
threat, rather than a national one. But there were signs of trouble long before last
October.
Laskar Jihad, Alive And Well In Papua Indonesia (10/03/2003) #5117
Barnabas Fund, 5 March 2003
Islamic militant group Laskar Jihad, which announced it was disbanding last October,
is alive and well in Indonesia's eastern region of Papua.
Five foreigners wanted in C. Sulawesi (07/03/2003) #5115
The Jakarta Post, 3/6/2003 4:57:15 PM
PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): Immigration authorities here have been searching for five
foreign nationals on the wanted list for violating immigration laws and committing
crimes.
GAM is enemy of the state: Army chief (07/03/2003) #5114
The Jakarta Post, 3/6/2003 3:19:15 PM
JAKARTA (JP): Army chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said the Free Aceh Movement
(GAM) is not only an enemy of the Indonesian Military (TNI), but is also an enemy of
the state.
15 Air Force's servicemen arrested over Jakarta (07/03/2003) #5113
police station raid
The Jakarta Post, 3/6/2003 4:40:01 PM
JAKARTA (JP): Commander of the Military Police of the Indonesian Military (TNI)
headquarters Maj. Gen. Sulaiman A.B. disclosed here on Thursday that his office has
arrested 15 to 20 servicemen of the Indonesian Air Force, Antara reported.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS - Report No. 354 (06/03/2003) #5112
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, March 5, 2003
REFUGEES KASUI One may remember the islamisation that starting towards
the end of November 2000 (Report 96 sqq., 132) took place on Kasui, a small
island South-East of Seram island, involving some 800 Christians. Recently a JRS
team (JRS = Jesuit Refugee Service), stationed in Ambon, went there and met with
local leaders of the various villages and hamlets on the island, asking them about their
stance in case the Christians would come back to Kasui. Apparently most of the
Muslims did not object to the Christians' returning to their original homesteads.
However, village elders in several other places said did not agree to their returning.
Main reasons they mentioned were: those christians had become Muslims, and now
they have returned to their original religion, i.e. Christian. Thus they are to be regarded
as apostates. Another reason they gave was their fear that these Christians would
take revenge on them because of what had been done to them. Besides, they did not
wish any military security forces to be placed on the island. Thus the Kasui
Christians, most of whom are staying as refugees in the town of Tual and in various
villages on the island of Kei Kecil, have little hope to be able to return to their island in
the near future.
Govt to lift emergency status in North Maluku (06/03/2003) #5111
The Jakarta Post, March 06, 2003
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. The government is preparing a presidential
decree that will lift the civil emergency status in North Maluku, which has been in
place for three years due to sectarian violence.
Emergency status lifted in Indonesian province (06/03/2003) #5110
ABC AUSTRALIA, 06/03/2003 05:08:42
Indonesia is to lift a state of civil emergency imposed in part of the Maluku islands.
Djoko Santoso installed as city military commander (06/03/2003) #5109
The Jakarta Post, March 06, 2003
Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso was
installed as the new military commander of Jakarta on Wednesday, replacing Maj.
Gen. Ahmad Yahya, who was appointed the Army's inspector general.
Military investigated over Indonesian police station attack (06/03/2003) #5108
ABC AUSTRALIA, 06/03/2003 05:08:44
Indonesian police and military staff are investigating possible military involvement in
the death of a policeman during a recent attack on a police station in the capital,
Jakarta.
Signatories ignoring spirit of Aceh peace agreement (06/03/2003) #5107
The Jakarta Post, March 06, 2003
Otto Syamsuddin Ishak, Civil Society Alliance for Democracy (Yappika), Jakarta.
Many observers of the Aceh conflict have said that the political status of the peace
pact between the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is so
vulnerable that peace will soon be consigned to the dustbin again.
Australia : Senate to move for probe into Bali bombings (06/03/2003) #5106
ABC AUSTRALIA, 06/03/2003 09:35:37
Nearly five months after the Bali bombings, the Australian Senate will today move to
set up an inquiry into Australia's assessment of terrorist threats in South East Asia.
The inquiry will cover the period from September the 11th 2001, until the Kuta night
club strip attack of October the 12th last year. It comes as Australia's Federal Police
Commissioner Mick Keelty is meeting the head of Indonesia's Police, General Da'i
Bachtiar in Canberra today.
Government to lift state of emergency in North Maluku (06/03/2003) #5105
The Jakarta Post, 3/5/2003 6:10:10 PM
JAKARTA(JP) The government is to lift a state of civil emergency posed in part of the
Maluku islands since 2000 to curb sectarian violence, Home Affairs Minister Hari
Sabarno said Wednesday.
Mob ransack police office, kill officer (06/03/2003) #5102
The Jakarta Post, 3/5/2003 4:22:06 PM
JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of alleged members of the Indonesian Military (TNI) killed a
police officer during an attack on a police station in East Jakarta on Tuesday night.
Australia maintains travel warning on Bali (06/03/2003) #5101
The Jakarta Post, 3/5/2003 3:13:58 PM
SYDNEY, Australia (JP) - Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said
Wednesday that he had rebuffed an Indonesia request that he ease a government
warning against travel to the resort island of Bali.
We are terrorists and we thank Allah for it (05/03/2003) #5100
The Sydney Morning Herald, March 5 2003
Al-Jazeera reporter Yosri Fouda spent two days with Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and
his fellow September 11 organiser. Here he recalls the only known interview with the
captured al-Qaeda terrorist.
Lawsuit bid to link Bali, September 11 (05/03/2003) #5099
The Sydney Morning Herald, March 5 2003
By Marian Wilkinson, Herald Correspondent in Washington. The Indonesian and
Singaporean governments are expected to resist efforts by lawyers for the victims of
the September 11 attacks to hand over intelligence material that might help their civil
damages case.
Saudi money used to fund Bali bombing: U.S. lawyer (05/03/2003) #5098
The Jakarta Post, 3/4/2003 6:56:29 PM
CANBERRA, Australia (JP): American lawyer Allan Gerson said here on Tuesday that
he had evidence indicating that money from Saudi Arabia was used to fund terrorist
cells in Europe linked to the bombing on the Indonesian island of Bali last October.
Military's latest move a bid to fool the clock? (05/03/2003) #5095
The Jakarta Post, March 04, 2003
Imanuddin Razak, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta, iman@thejakartapost.com.
Army chief of staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu fired a lethal shot on Feb. 20 when he
addressed a media conference, suggesting that the military's security role be
reinstated due to the threats of separatism and other security disturbances in the
country.
A Jihadi's Tale (05/03/2003) #5093
Time Asia Magazine, Monday, March 3, 2003
KEMAL JUFRI/IMAJI PRESS FOR TIME. Habib Abdurrahman bin Ismail serves coffee
in tiny cups etched with Arabic blessings, coffee so strongly perfumed that perhaps it
liberates a memory, because soon Habib is talking about his Afghan war and about
how a man smells just before he dies. "It was the strangest thing," he says, recalling
a bloody firefight at Mahmud-e-Raqi, a town northeast of Kabul. "If a Muslim brother
was about to be martyred, even before the bullet hit him, he would smell wonderful,
like dupa [an Indonesian incense]. Then we knew death was close."
Rebels blame army for attack on Aceh peace monitors (05/03/2003) #5092
Associated Press, Monday March 3, 2003 11:44 PM ET
By MUHARRAM M. NUR, Associated Press Writer. BANDA ACEH, Indonesia -
Separatist rebels on Tuesday accused the Indonesian military of trying to derail the
peace process in Aceh province by inciting a militia attack on international monitors
overseeing the accord. The military, which has in the past used militia groups against
insurgents in Aceh, East Timor, the Maluku islands and Papua province, denied the
allegations.
Christians In Crisis: Prayer For The Refugees In Indonesia (03/03/2003) #5091
PersecutedChurch.org
Join Christians in Crisis in praying for the needs of the refugees in the Maluku and
Sulawesi area of Indonesia. CIC has partnered with International Friends of
Compassion in their work of providing medical and food relief to the areas of Indonesia
where the refugees of many conflicts have been trying to rebuild their lives.
International Christian Concern Seeks Advocates (03/03/2003) #5090
On Behalf Of Indonesian Pastor And Human Rights Leader
PersecutedChurch.org
International Christian Concern (ICC) requests advocacy on behalf of Rev. Rinaldy
Damanik. Rev. Damanik, an Indonesian pastor and human rights leader, was arrested
in Jakarta on September 9, 2002 on charges of carrying illegal weapons in Central
Sulawesi. His trial opened on February 3, 2003. The charges have since been
changed to provoking violence.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 117 (03/03/2003) #5088
22 February - 28 February 2003
ACEH * One GAM member was killed during the week according to local media
reports.
CENTRAL SULAWESI * A local newspaper, Radar Sulteng, reported on Tuesday (25
Feb.) that around 3,500 students from Al-Khairat Islamic Institution staged a street
rally on Monday (24 Feb.) in Palu. The rally was a protest against the US' plans to
attack Iraq.
MALUKU * A local newspaper, Ambon Ekspress, quoted the Deputy Chief of Police
Maluku on Monday and Tuesday (24 and 25 Feb.), saying that four Pakistani
nationals were arrested in the province for visa violations and were deported on
Tuesday (25 Feb.).
NORTH MALUKU * IRD distributed 7 MT (642 boxes) of breedlove (food supplement)
to 2,823 students in 16 schools in Bacan sub-district from 18 to 24 February. In Obi
sub-district, 4,6 MT (423 boxes) of breedlove was distributed to 1,943 students in nine
primary schools in Galala, Anggai, Kampung Baru, Sum and Sambiki villages and 700
returnees in Air Mangga villages from 18 to 22 February. In Gane Barat sub-district,
IRD distributed 7 MT of breedlove (647 boxes) to 904 students in eight primary
schools in Paspalele, Yamli, Durian, Boso, Fulai, Doro and Cango villages and to 818
returnees in Boso and Durian villages from 8 to 21 February.
PAPUA * Various local media reported debates on establishment of new provinces in
Papua. There has been no official procedure to legalize any new province and Papua
still remains one province. The Provincial Secretary, Drs. Decky Asmuruf, said to the
press on Wednesday (26 Feb.) that the Central Government would review the special
autonomy law for Papua (No.21/2001).
Mega's move to split Papua unconstitutional: Expert (03/03/2003) #5087
The Jakarta Post, March 01, 2003
Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta. Opposition continues to mount against
President Megawati Soekarnoputri's decision to partition the province of Papua into
three smaller provinces.
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