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Maluku
Islands move towards peace
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Ekklesia
September
16, 2003
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Maluku Islands move towards
peace
People on the Maluku Islands of
Indonesia celebrated another step towards peace as the Indonesian
government lifted the civil emergency status in the region reports
Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW).
The civil emergency status was put in place on June 27, 2002 in
response to a spate of attacks by Laskar Jihad militants and to
prevent the influx of foreign militants.
The lifting of the emergency status took place at the inauguration
of the newly-elected Governor, Karel Albert Ralahalu, and
Vice-Governor M Abdullah Latuconsina on September 15.
Under the civil emergency status, it became virtually impossible
for foreigners and journalists to travel to the Maluku. However,
it did allow local security officials to keep a tighter control on
people arriving in the region and to respond rapidly to violent
incidents.
The improved security made it possible for local Muslim and
Christian leaders to focus on reconciliation efforts and the
situation has been steadily improving.
In the last few months there have been only a few minor incidents
which can be attributed to the small number of militants still in
the area. However, given that the investigation into the Bali
bombing unearthed evidence of terrorists from Jemaah Islamiah and
other organisations using the Maluku as a training and recruitment
area, the authorities need to remain vigilant for any renewed
militant activity.
CSW has been involved in the region since 1999, assisting
Christians and communities facing violence and working with
Muslims and Christians towards reconciliation. CSW has lobbied the
Indonesian government to ensure a just and lasting peace and has
also arranged interfaith delegations of Malukan leaders to lobby
parliamentarians from the EU and Westminster. CSW supporters have
funded local human rights groups to organise evacuations of
Christians facing forced conversion to Islam.
Jacky Manuputty, Director of the Interfaith Council of the Maluku,
said: This is the right moment to enjoy freedom from fear and
to establish law and order. It is our opportunity to restore
tolerance, trust and peace and to learn to forgive each other. On
behalf of the people of the Maluku, I would like to thank everyone
who has supported peace and justice for our islands. May God bless
them all.
CSWs National Director Stuart Windsor added: This is another
positive step for the people of the Maluku Islands who have
suffered so much in the last few years. Local people in their
communities are desperate for peace to continue so they can
rebuild their lives and homes. CSW will continue to work with
local communities of both Christian and Muslim backgrounds and the
Indonesian authorities to ensure this is a lasting peace.
The Maluku conflict, which began in 1999, has left some 10,000
dead and over half a million displaced. Many areas remain
segregated along religious lines.
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