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 14, 2004
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS - Report No. 448
Our previous report dates back to August 22. No major events in connection with
unrest and reconciliation occurred during this period except what follows below:
1. AGAIN BOMB EXPLOSIONS - Two homemade bombs exploded in the city of
Ambon on a vacant plot of land between the Silo church and the Pohon Pule Bridge
last September 7. Though afterwards they turned out to be low-explosive and did not
result in any casualties or significant damage, they nevertheless caused panic among
local residents and among the lecturers and students of the nearby alternative
campus of the Pattimura University, who could be seen fleeing the campus.
2. NORTH MOLUCCAS: SURRENDER OF WEAPONRY - On October 12, residents
of the Togawa subdistrict, Province of the North-Moluccas, handed over to Military
chief Lt.-Col. Yudi Zanibar seven rifles, including a US made M-16, and 220 rounds of
ammunition. Zanibar confirmed to The Jakarta Post daily that this weaponry was
voluntarily handed over. He added that military personnel would continue to conduct
door-to-door searches in the area for weapons and ammunition.
3. PLEADING TO VISIT AMBON - On Sunday, October 10, Cabinet Minister for
Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika was in Ambon, where among other activities he
visited several populer vacationers' sites like Suli and Liang. Speaking at Hunimua
Beach, village of Liang, he inaugurated the "Program Recovery Maluku" (so has it
been named). He hoped to reestablish to the outside world trust in the safe and
reliable situation in Ambon, so that people would not refrain any more from coming to
this hospitable city and these beautiful islands. Meeting with the press in the village of
Suli, Moluccas Police Chief Brig-Gen. Aditya Warman, declared that there should be
no doubt that Ambon is secure now. Moluccas Governor Karel Ralahalu likewise
insisted that the Moluccas are a safe region again. He called on the Ambon citizens
and local population to avoid any minor skirmishes, on the contrary to restore a
friendly Ambon and an attractive Moluccas Province, which would delight any
foreigners visiting the place.
4. ACTIVITIES BY RELIGIOUS COMMUNITIES - On September 8, the Salvation
Army of Ambon proclaimed a special action, called (in English!) "Building The Future
Maluku 2004". Special emphasis is being laid on alleviating the suffering of drug
victims and of those who have become infected with HIV-AIDS in the city of Ambon
and in the South-East Moluccas. Since five years ago, 23 have died from AIDS.
The Diocese of Amboina, has started a Synod, its second one since the Diocese was
erected on January 3, 1960. It is taking place in Ambon from 12 to 24 October 2004.
On this occasion also the large new cathedral will be consecrated and inaugurated.
Besides, nine local deacons will be ordained a priest. Last September 14, it was
exactly ten years ago that Msgr. P.C. Mandagi assumed his assignment as the fourth
bishop of Amboina, which is worth to be commemorated as well, especially because
about 50% of this period he proved himself to be a fervent advocate for reconciliation
between the conflicting parties. And not without result!
Tomorrow the Muslims start their Holy Ramadhan, accompanied by well-wishing of
various christian communities. To the Muslim delegation that gave Acte de présence
at the opening ceremony of the diocesan Synod on October 12, Bishop Mandagi
directed his sincere wishes for a blessed Holy Month to the benefit and welfare of the
whole Moluccas population.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina |
