IFC (International Friends of Compassion), Australia
The Unfolding Terror
Here is the latest in the unfolding terror concerning Central Sulawesi, namely
Poso-Tentena region.
On Friday I reported to you that Tentena was on a high state of alert after local
intelligence in Central Sulawesi intercepted communication indicating that the Jihad
terrorists, numbering at least 2500 in the region, were preparing to attack the
Christian enclave of Tentena. This alert followed two weeks of violence in which 6
villages were destroyed, buses bombed, cars ambushed and individuals missing or
found murdered. In response to this recent alert sent out by various agencies, many
christians around the world prayed. Our church was in fact having a half night of
prayer that evening when the news came and so we were able to go straight to prayer
on the issue. We also took the matter up directly with the Australian government on
that night who in turn expressed their grave concern to Indonesian authorities.
In brief, the feared attack on Tentena on Friday night did not happen and the
Indonesian government responded by sending an additional several hundred troops
into the region. We give thanks to God for that. (Another phenomona of interest was a
6.2 earthquake that ripped through the region, as reported in Saturday's Sydney
Morning Herald, bringing destruction to some muslim villages as well as to a jihad
training area and interpreted as a 'bad omen' by local jihad).
Tragically though, the Christians of Tentena now live in constant fear that an attack is
imminent and each night go to sleep wondering, 'will the Jihad strike tonight?'
Rumours abound (due to fear and poor communication), but local intelligence reports
indicate that there have been several sightings of up to 1500 jihad terrorists training in
separate locations near to Tentena over the last week.
So, in a sense, EVERY day is now a day of high alert!
People have said, 'I feel so helpless. All I feel I can do is to pray.'
I want to encourage you by saying, THAT is just what is needed: PRAYER. Hear the
words of one Sulawesi church leader: "we are in deep need of spiritual support
through your prayers."
OF GREAT RECENT CONCERN is the safety of Rev Rinaldy Damanik whom I met in
February this year in Central Sulawesi. He resides in Tentena and is a fine man and a
wonderful Christian leader. He has effectively quelled the calls from revenge that rise
from some Christians who have are fed up with the victimisation and betrayal of local
security forces and so desire to strike back. Resolutely, Damanik has been a beacon
for peace and reconciliation and was instrumental in drafting the Malino Accord which
has brought 6 months of peace to the region. In recent weeks, following Jihad attacks
on defenceless christians villages, Rev Damanik has been active in disseminating
information to the outside world. He has also been understandably critical of the local
authorities and Indonesian government for not doing enough to implement the terms of
the Malino Accord which require 'foreigners' (such as Jihad troops which come from
Java), to leave the region.
Damanik promotes peace. He rallies the morale and faith of the Christian community
AND he lets the outside world know of what is going on. BUT Rev Damanik is a BIG
problem for the Jihad. Their strategy has been to slander him, accuse him of
promoting violence, brand him as an 'extremist', and promote outrageous lies such as:
he has 50 of his own 'foreigners' in Tentena. But worse than all this is that the Jihad
have the support of the local authorities in accusing him of these things. Even the
Jakarta Post brand Damanik as 'an extremist' and responsible for 'inciting violence'
(JP, 20.08.02). They go so far as to suggest that it is Damanik that has provoked the
recent acts of terror in which Christian villages were burnt to the ground and a number
of people killed!! This is absolutely ludicrous. But, there is no statement by Indonesian
officials countering this view. So now, the Chief of Police in Central Sulawesi has
issued an order for Rev Damanik, a champion of peace and re! conciliation, to be
captured and arrested!
This is a serious development which requires further prayer and action. Mona
Saroinsong of the Sulawesi Crisis Centre, went on Indonesian national TV this week
to try and promote the truth. In phone conversation with her yesterday Mona was quite
distressed at what she describes as a 'setup' concerning Rev Damanik. And in an
email received today she pleads,
"PLEASE, I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NOW!! There will be another bloodshed in
Central Sulawesi in particular in Poso and Tentena if nothing could be done, and I
really think this is the time for THE INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN INSTITUTIONS TO
UNITE TO HELP OUR SISTERS AND BROTHERS IN THIS REGION before it would
turn as before!!" [meaning Nov-Dec 2001]
What can YOU do?
Pray daily for the safety and protection of Rev Damanik and other Christian leaders
who are now being falsely accused and risk arrest or assasination.
Pray for the Christian communities in Central Sulawesi; that they would continue to
promote peace, even in this atmosphere of great provocation.
Pray for the local and national authorities as well as the security forces that they
would uphold righteousness and justice for ALL Indonesians.
Pray that Christians would stand firm in their faith, grow closer to God and have this
great trial turned to gold, that they might in turn be a blessing to their nation.
Pray that the so-called 'unidentified gunmen' would be called for what they are: Jihad
terrorists! And that the men and women of truth in the Indonesian government would
seriously tackle the terrorism happening within Indonesia's borders. (The Indonesian
VP recently said, 'there is no terrorism in Indonesia. But of course, there are a couple
of hardline groups - and that is normal'). I ask you: Is genocide of Christian
communities normal???
FINAL NOTES:
1. If you are in the Sydney region and did not receive an invitation to two upcoming
seminars on Islam led by international experts then please email me with your full
name, email and phone number and I will provide you with details.
2. All recent and archived news concerning Maluku and Central Sulawesi is available
on our recently updated website: http://cryindonesia.rnc.org.au
MEDIA CONTACT:
Ian Freestone
IFC (International Friends of Compassion)
PO Box 610
Balgowlah NSW 2093
AUSTRALIA
Phone: +61-2-9907 0953
E-mail Address: media@rnc.org.au
Web Page: http://cryindonesia.rnc.org.au
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