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, Mei 3, 2004
THE SITUATION IN AMBON/MOLUCCAS – Report No. 429
1. POPE ON CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM CLASHES IN AMBON - On Saturday, May 1,
2004, Pope John Paul II called for public order to be quickly restored in Ambon city.
In a letter to the bishop of Ambon sent by the Vatican secretary of state, John Paul
said he was praying for those who had died and for those who were mourning for
them.
"At this time of suffering and grave anxiety, he wishes to assure the whole Christian
community of his paternal affection and solidarity, and his heartfelt prayer that public
order and peaceful relations between the various religious and social groups will be
quickly restored," said the letter.
2. VICTIMS- Ricky Jacob Mahulette (16) from the village of Latuhalat became victim
of a sniper while he together with 18 others was fishing at sea. The shooting came
from another speedboat that soon disappeared in the dark.
Until May 2, 2004, the number of those killed in the recent conflict situation: 37.
Wounded: 211, 86 of whom are still under treatment in a hospital.
To all victims and refugees, medical service is provided without charge.
3. SEARCHING MANUPUTTY'S HOUSE - Searching the house of separatist Front
Kedaulatan Maluku leader Alex Manuputty in Kudamati - Ambon, the Police found a
list with the names of 295 FKM members and is now trying to locate them. A lot of
other items were confiscated as well, among others two RMS flags. Alex's wife and
daughter and two other women that were in the house at that moment, were detained
and declared as "suspects".
4. CONFLICT CALMING DOWN - During these last few days the conflict in Ambon is
gradually dwindling. However, barricades are still on their places and refugees have
not yet returned to their houses (insofar these having survived burning and destruction)
either.
5. AIR TRAFFIC - As the number of Ambon-bound passengers has dropped
dramatically, air carriers are reducing the number of flights to Ambon.
6. LASKAR JIHAD - The ad interim minister for Political and Security Affairs (MenKo
PolKam), Hari Sabarno, has urged any laskar jihad leaders not to send laskars to
Ambon, as they will only increase people's suffering and protract the conflict. He has
asked military and police authorities to forestall laskar jihad being sent to Ambon.
Moluccas governor Karel Ralahalu, too, hoped that no laskars would be despatched to
Ambon. However, among the christians there are lots of rumours about the arrival of
several thousands of laskar jihad that entered the Moluccas via the small harbours of
Namlea (island of Buru) and Hitu (on the North coast of the island of Ambon).
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina |
