Jubilee Campaign USA, May 03, 2004
Violence Dies Down
"Prayer succeeded where police power failed," was the report from Maluku. Late
Friday we relayed reports that the Laskar Jihad, a Mulsim militia, had landed in
Ambon and were marching on Kuda Mati, a predominantly Christian area. Just a few
hours later, a sudden, heavy rain began falling, dispersing the attackers. Though 30
homes were burnt, the church at the bottom of Kuda Mati hill was saved, thanks to
the vigorous defense by the church youth. But with no thanks to the security forces,
who had withdrawn in the face of such a large mob.
We are pleased to report that the violence in Maluku has significantly died down. The
attackers have now reverted to terror tactics including kidnapping, torture, and sniping.
In fact, just this morning two men were killed by snipers.
Worship services on Sunday were a bit disrupted as numerous churches had been
burnt; and many people, particularly Christians, were afraid to leave their homes.
Meanwhile, at Elim Church in Kuda Mati, the congregation is caring for hundreds of
recent refugees. To date more than 10,000 people have been displaced by the
violence.
The violence started on April 25 in Ambon, Maluku province, when a small group
marching to celebrate the 54th anniversary of a failed bid at separation from Indonesia
clashed with a pro- unity group. The violence rapidly escalated as rioters died and
property was destroyed, including a UN building and a local Protestant university.
Observers fear a return to widespread conflict which from 1999- 2002 decimated the
Maluku islands including Ambon.
The current violence is being blamed on the separatist movement and is not
characterized as a religious conflict (as was the previous conflict); however, as the
violence winds down, experts worry that the provocateurs may once again try to use
religion to incite attacks. According to Semmy Hinnik of the Maluku Shield
Foundation based in Ambon, "The issue may shift again because we know that the
aim of the provocateurs is to make the Christians and Muslims fight one another like
in 1999-2002... This is a very sensitive issue given the majority of Indonesians are
Muslims. So, the issue may shift [from separatism] to religious solidarity, which
justifies outsiders fighting in Maluku."
Elizabeth Kendall, a long time observer of Indonesia with World Evangelical Alliance,
observes that in "1999, sectarian conflict was provoked in Ambon by outsiders, and
was used to oust President Wahid and elevate the military,"
Indonesia is currently on the cusp of another presidential election. For the first time in
history, on July 5, the Indonesian people will elect their own president. The current
violence in Maluku weakens President Megawati's re- election campaign by showing
her unable to maintain peace and stability. Likewise, it also undermines the
campaigns of two other candidates, Yudhoyono and Kalla, who had key roles in
forming the 2002 Malino Peace Accord that brought an end to the original conflict in
Maluku. Standing to gain is retired General Wiranto whose infamous record includes
being indicted for war crimes in East Timor and whose platform takes a hard line on
domestic stability.
The Indonesian government responded to the violence by sending two units of the
BRIMOB or Police Mobile Brigade (around 400 people) and two army battalions (about
1,500 people). These joined the nearly 1,000 security personnel on hand before the
latest round of violence began.
However, the presence of the army and the BRIMOB is little comfort to some, who
accuse the security forces of targeting Christians and churches. According to the
Caltholic Bishop's office in Ambon, many people attest that soldiers were directly
involved in some attacks and were responsible for the recent destruction of the
Nazareth Church; those citizens are demanding the withdrawal of outside soldiers.
According to Hinnik, "In certain villages, Muslims are looking after Christians' houses
and visa versa." Absent outside interference, he says, the current violence would
never have taken place as the local citizens "are not interested in this bloody political
game. They are merely victims of the political games of the elites."
Please Give:
Our partners in Maluku, Salawaku, have asked for donations to help their ministry aid
those caught up in this emergency in Ambon. We have decided to send $1,000 from
our general fund. You too can help your felow Christians in Maluku by donating money
online (please "designate" it for Maluku) Or via mail to: Jubilee Campaign 9689-C Main
Street Fairfax, Virginia 22031
Ann Buwalda
Jubilee Campaign USA
email: jubilee@jubileecampaign.org
voice: 703-503-0791
web: http://www.jubileecampaign.org
This email was sent to shortcut2justy@yahoo.com.au, by Jubilee Campaign USA.
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