CRISIS CENTRE DIOCESE OF AMBOINA
Jalan Pattimura 32 - Ambon 97124 - Indonesia
Tel 0062 (0)911 342195 Fax 0062 (0)911 355337
E-mail: comamq@ambon.wasantara.net.id
Ambon, December 28, 2001
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 219
1. FUSILLADE IN TANTUI-GALALA – In the morning of December 27, 2001, the
security forces at the border of Tantui-Galala, to the east of the city of Ambon, faced a
mass of militants that launched an attack on the christian neighbourhood of
Galala-Atas (Upper Galala). One military was badly wounded and consequently
evacuated to Makassar. The assailants did not succeed in entering the place.
Meanwhile, while passing by car through the muslim village of Nania on the opposite
side of the bay, two policemen were shot at and injured.
2. INTRUDERS – On the same day, in the christian village of Passo, two alleged
Brimob policemen were unmasked as imposters. Several dozens of terrorists – both
christians and muslims – are reported to have come to Ambon recently in order to
make trouble during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Several of these
are said to have been detected and detained.
3. AGAIN VICTIM OF SPEEDBOAT ATTACK – On December 27 a christian
speedboat was attacked and shot at when travelling in the bay of Ambon from Lateri,
a christian village between the city of Ambon and Passo, to Galala. Only the two crew
members happened to be on board. One of them was killed in this incident.
4. POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN JAKARTA PROVE THEIR CONCERN – In the wake
of recent violence in places as Waumulang, Ewiri, Aboru, Kulur and Pelauw, a
deputation of eight persons has been dispatched by the Police Headquarters in
Jakarta to the Moluccas to do investigation on the spot in cooperation with local
police authorities.
5. RECONCILIATORY TRADING – A few days ago we happened to stroll about near
the Amans Hotel at the border of the muslim neighbourhood of Batumerah and the
christian neighbourhood of Mardika, Ambon. We could see several hundreds of people
merchandising, disregarding to be either christian or muslim. Christians can buy food
at the muslim vendors at prices often down to more than 50% compared to the price
in their own quarters.
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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