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, January 14, 2002
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 225
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We noticed that once again our report was truncated, so we repeat the first part of
this message at the same time reediting its contents and adding another news item:
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report No. 225
1. FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ATTACK ON RUTONG – As we reported in our
latest report, on Sunday, January 13, the Christian village of Rutong, on the South
coast of the island of Ambon, was attacked. During the three years of conflict, this
was the fourth time that an attack was launched on this little village. About 500
assailants, carrying AK-47, SS-1, M-16 rifles and FN pistols, came down the hills and
got as far as about 60 meters from the border of the village. Though they had been
hiding in the nearby hills since the afternoon before, the local security forces had not
taken any forestalling measures and were caught by surprise. Brimob police forces,
assisted by local civilians, ordinar police and military troops, only came in action
when the attack started. After some hours of mutual shooting they at last succeeded
to beat off the aggressors. The assailants withdrew into the direction of the muslim
sites of Air Kuning and Kebun Cengkeh at the outskirts of the c! ity of Ambon. After
they had retired from the place, one unknown male victim was found dead,
presumably one of the attackers. Most of the women and children meanwhile had
been evacuated to safer places. Mrs. Len Maitimu (75), when fleeing to the
neighbouring village of Leahari, was seriously injured by a stray bullet. Another
civilian, Ferry Maspaitella, while fighting the attackers, was also badly injured. Several
others had minor injuries. In Rutong and neighbouring villages additional security
forces will be stationed, but there is no mentioning of any legal prosecution towards
the assailants, whose identities have not been certified either.
2. NEW CHIEF POLICE COMMANDER FOR THE MOLUCCAS TO BE
INAUGURATED IN JAKARTA – On December 18 it was decided that Brigader
General Farouk Muhammad Saleh would be replaced by Brigader General Sunarko
Danu Ardanto as the police chief commander of the Moluccas. The official
inauguration was due to take place in Ambon. However, seemingly for reasons of
efficiency, the official handing over of the command will be done in Jakarta.
C.J.Böhm MSc,
Secretary of Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
Received via e-mail from : Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
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