Uniting Church in Australia National Assembly
Update on Ambon - Sunday 28th April 2002
You are no doubt aware of the resurgence of violence in Ambon as a result of the
RMS celebrations on 25th April 2002. RMS is advocating for an independent state in
the central Moluccas. The movement has little widespread support. The churches do
not support RMS even though the movement is preceived to be "Christian". Church
leaders in Ambon have indicated to me their strong disapproval of RMS and RMS
related activities.
Now the leader of the Jihad, Jafar Umar Thalib is calling for a war against the
"Christian" RMS in Ambon. On Saturday night (27th April) the Christian village of
Soya (5 kms east of Ambon in the hills behind the city) was attacked by mortar fire.
This morning the village of Tanah Lapang Kecil/Batugantung was fired on. Twelve
people are reported dead while 30 houses have been destroyed in Soya. The number
of injured people is still unknown.
Reports are now being received indicating that the Jihad radio station (Radio SPMM)
is calling all Muslim men to gather at the large Al-Fatah Mosque in Ambon. It appears
this call is related to planned attacks against RMS "Christians". This means the
conflict will escalate. It really means that the entire Christian population of Ambon is
likely to be under further serious threat.
Recent peace negotiations between Chrsitians and Muslims (Malino agreement)
seem to mean nothing as far as the Jihad is concerned. When will this madness
stop? The situation is being carefully monitored.
Rev John Barr
Execuitve Secretary
Unity and International Mission
Uniting Church in Australia National Assembly
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