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, February 22, 2002
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report No. 240
1. "SOCIALISATION" OF THE MOLUCCAS CONFLICT – Though having a belated
start in comparison to the Christians, the Muslim delegates to the recent
reconciliation meeting in Malino now have also begun their series of clarification
meetings on the Eleven-Items Maluku Agreement, though under much more strained
circumstances, for it can be perceived that among the Muslims, more than among the
Christians, not everybody is ready to comply to the agreement. Clarification on the
Maluku Agreement was done on February 19 in the neighbourhoods of Kapaha and
Batumerah, Ambon, by among others Thamrin Ely, the leader of the Muslim
delegation to Malino. Military Chief Commander Mustopo declared to the press that
socialisation will be carried out notwithstanding any opposing forces. Opponents are
to be regarded as mutual enemies.
2. VISIT TO AMBON BY THE MINISTER FOR POLITICAL AND SECURITY AFFAIRS
– Once again – on February 20 – Ambon was visited by the Minister for Political and
Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono together with Supreme Police
Commander General Da’i Bachtiar and other high officials from Jakarta. Aim of this
visit was to witness on the spot the effectuation of the "socialisation" of the Maluku
Agreement within both communities, and also to present government funds for the
reconstruction of some mosques and churches that had been destroyed during the
conflict. Some more funds were donated as smartmoney for those who had become
permanently disabled due to the conflict and to the next of kin of those killed, each
receiving 2 million Rupiahs (US$ 190.- / Eur 221,-).
It was no secret to Cabinet MinisterYudhoyono that the Maluku Agreement did not
satisfy a minority of Muslims and Christians (he said). So, when meeting with
representatives of both communities and local authorities on February 20, he warned
those that were planning any renewed violence, that they would have to face the
State, which – in the name of the people – would answer force with force (applause).
The next morning Yudhoyono had a meeting with both Malino delegations together in
order to evaluate the "socialisation" process.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
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