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 25, 2003
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 395
1. CENTENARY MSC PRESENCE IN THE MOLUCCAS – Catholic presence in the
Moluccas in recent times was initiated in the Kei Islands in 1888 by the Jesuit Order.
On November 28, 1903 the MSC Congregation took over. MSC stands for Missionarii
Sacratissimi Cordis = Missionaries of the Sacred Heart. In Ambon city, the centennial
celebration took place in the afternoon and evening of October 21st and was
celebrated in close brotherhood with the Protestant and Muslim Communities,
culminating in a festive Mass in the large Lapangan Merdeka (city square), attended
by several thousands. It was followed by an inspiring performance by the charismatic
vocalist Dr. Maya Rumantir from North Celebes. She brought a message of peace and
willingness to forgive. The same was stressed by bishop P.C. Mandagi MSC, who in
his speech also wished the Muslims a blesssed Ramadhan and praised them for
being an example for christians in sincerity of faith. The Muslims, too, brought a
message of peace on this occasion, by a performance of the Al'Muhajrin Mosque
vocal group.
2. CASE OF RMS LEADER JHON REA C.S. BROUGHT TO COURT – On April 20,
2003, police forces arrested Drs. Jhon Rea, "commander of the RMS Forces" in
Ambon, together with eight RMS members while they were having a secret meeting in
Jhon Rea's house in the neighbourhood of Batubulan/Batugajah, city of Ambon (see
Report 363). The legal procedure against them is taking place now. Jhon Rea refuses
to acknowledge the legality of the process, since he and his companions are citizens
of the "internationally recognized" RMS country and have the right to be brought
before and international court. They appeared in RMS-coloured clothing and their
answers sounded loud and bold, which stirred cries of enthusiasm among the
numerous spectators. Leaving the courtroom after the session, Jhon greeted his
sympathizers with the specific RMS salutation "mena muria" (ready to the front and to
the back), others yelled "meta noya" (God is on our side). Deputy chief attorney
Lodwik Tiwery commented to Maluku Media Centre: "The RMS case indeed
fascinates many people in Ambon". Several lawyers warn the responsible authorities
that in this affair any tolerance is misplaced. It may be the tip of an iceberg and
should be dealt with seriously.
3. WAAI REFUGEES RETURN TO THEIR VILLAGE – Today, witnessed by both the
governor and the vice-governor, 1.800 families (7000 people) from Waai left their
quarters in Passo where they have been staying as refugees for over three years, and
returned to their village, which has now been rebuilt after total obliteration. Their return
was preceded by a worship ceremony, which was attended also by muslim
representatives from the neighbouring villages of Tulehu, Liang and Mamala. An earlier
return we reported on last August 27, (Report 381) apparently was not a permanent
one.
4. RECONCILIATION CEREMONY IN SAPARUA – On occasion of the official
inauguration of the new great Baiturrahman Mosque of Siri-Sori Islam, island of
Saparua, Muslims and christians from Saparua and Nusa Laut held a reconciliation
meeting in this village. Among those present were deputy governor M. Abdullah
Latuconsina and no fewer than a hundred adat chiefs and other influential leaders from
both communities.
5. SIGNAL OF STILL EXISTING FRICTION – A refugee at the naval base of Halong
told us that the house that he was rebuilding on his plot of land in Poka, recently was
burned down. Still unfinished houses of five other christian families in Poka had been
destroyed as well.
6. BOMB EXPLOSION KILLS THREE IN TOBELO – In the early hours of today, a
homemade bomb exploded on the attic of a house in a village near the town of Tobelo,
island of Halmahera, North Moluccas. Three residents of the house (30, 38 and 5
years old) were killed instantly. Four others were seriously injured. It is thought that
the house-owner, a Javanese fisherman, had the bomb in storage to use it for fishing.
It probably exploded spontaneously. Anyway, no unrest resulted.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina |
