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, November 5, 2003
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 398
1. HAND OVER OF WEAPONRY – Since on last September 15, the Civil Emergency
for the Moluccas was lifted, 77 firearms and 94 homemade bombs, apart from much
traditional weaponry, have been surrendered by civilians to either the police or the
military authorities. Thus was confirmed by Police Chief Brig.Gen. Bambang Sutrisno.
The latest hand-over of bombs – an impressive total of 27 bombs – was done by a
minibus driver and his companion, named Muhammad La Ode and La Cina, who had
found them in a house in Rumahtiga, while cleaning it up for rehabitation. Both were
awarded with 1 million Rupiahs (about Eur 100,-).
2. TOTAL DEATH-TOLL RABIES: 20 – Jakarta based "Kompas" daily newspaper
reports that from August up to the end of October 2003, 1.050 people in the Moluccas
have reported to have been bitten by dogs. The number of people that have
consequently died has reached the extraordinary number of twenty. Thus was
confirmed by the Provincial Agricultural Department on occasion of a coordinating
meeting between various responsible institutions and bodies in Ambon on November
4. As previously rabies never occurred in the Moluccas, the disease found Ambon and
several nearby islands completely unprepared and precious time was lost in ordering
the needed vaccins and medicines. In the city of Ambon alone, the number of dogs is
estimated at 31.000. Ambon just hopes this will not discourage people visiting
Ambon. Professional medical personnel and medicines are available for immediate
stand-by when needed.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina |
