MISNA - Missionary Service News Agency, 13 JAN 2003 (11:23)
Indonesia
Ambon: Released Two Members Of Separatist Movement (Brief,
Church/Religious Affairs)
Two leaders of the FKM (Self-government Front of the Moluccas) separatist
movement, Alex Manuputty and Semmy Waeleruny were welcomed enthusiastically
by more than a thousand supporters on their arrival in Ambon on January 11. It was
reported to MISNA by the Fathers of the Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina.
Having arrived at the Kudamati area, they first of all headed for the "Sinar" church for a
brief worship together with several hundreds of sympathisers.
In a brief allocution, Manuputty shouted: "Mena Muria! God is on our side! Dear Alifuru
brothers, our fight is for Salam (Muslim) and Sarani (Christian) alike. Our fight is
without any weaponry. Our fight is a moral one, whilst praying to God". A crowd of
several thousands of people then accompanied them to Manuputty's nearby house
under the sounds of joyful trumpet music.
Manuputty confirmed that, together with Semmy Waeleruny, he had been in detention
in Jakarta for eight months and ten days, but had never been distressed, for God had
comforted them. God will not leave those who suffer and yearn for the truth.
Manuputty was stopped and brought to police headquarters last April 17 on charges
of "instigating the population" in view of the 25 April 52nd anniversary of the foundation
of the RMS (Republik Maluku Selatan, Republic of Southern Moluccas). The
separatist leader was later charged with treason. (BP)
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