CRISIS CENTRE DIOCESE OF AMBOINA
Jalan Pattimura 32 -- Ambon 97124 -- Indonesia
Tel 0062 (0)911 342195 Fax 0062 (0)911 355337
E-mail: crisiscentre01@hotmail.com
Ambon, October 20, 2005
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 489
1. MUSLIM COMMUNITY SUPPORTS PROTESTANT CHURCH ACTIVITIES – The
month of Ramadhan is for the Muslims not only a period of fasting, but also a time of
reconciliation and social activities. Thus the Muslim community of Ambon recently
assisted the Protestant Church of the Moluccas (GPM) in preparing two important
events, namely the meeting of the Plenary Assembly of the GPM Board (“Badan
Pekerja Lengkap GPM”), which was held 16-19 October, and the 35th GPM Synod
which is scheduled to take place 23-30 October 2005.
2. MUSLIMS IN AMBON FEEL FREE TO HAVE THEIR RAMADHAN UNDISTURBED
– Thanks to the increasing intermingling and improving mutual understanding of
Christians and Muslims in Ambon, the latter confess not to feel threatened any more
like the years before in having their Ramadhan month. Thus since 3, 4 or 5 October
they wholeheartedly indulge in all celebrations that are available to them according to
Muslim tradition.
3. TRAVEL ADVICE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT – On 19 October
2005, the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade issued a travel advice to
Australians i.e. to defer non-essential travel to Indonesia, including Bali. Those who
consider their presence in Indonesia to be essential, should exercise extreme
caution. Australians, too, are advised to avoid all travel to Aceh and Maluku province,
particularly Ambon, due to the unstable security situation and risk of terrorist attack.
Australians in Aceh and Maluku should depart. The Department of Foreign Affairs and
Trade in Caberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina |
