|
|
|
Update
on Ambon - Sunday 28th April 2002
|
|
You are no doubt aware of the
resurgence of violence in Ambon as a result of the RMS
celebrations on 25th April 2002. RMS is advocating for an
independent state in the central Moluccas. The movement has
little widespread support. The churches do not support RMS even
though the movement is preceived to be "Christian".
Church leaders in Ambon have indicated to me their strong
disapproval of RMS and RMS related activities.
Now the leader of the Jihad, Jafar
Umar Thalib is calling for a war against the
"Christian" RMS in Ambon. On Saturday night (27th
April) the Christian village of Soya (5 kms east of Ambon in the
hills behind the city) was attacked by mortar fire. This morning
the village of Tanah Lapang Kecil/Batugantung was fired on.
Twelve people are reported dead while 30 houses have been
destroyed in Soya. The number of injured people is still
unknown.
Reports are now being received
indicating that the Jihad radio station (Radio SPMM) is calling
all Muslim men to gather at the large Al-Fatah Mosque in Ambon.
It appears this call is related to planned attacks against RMS
"Christians". This means the conflict will escalate.
It really means that the entire Christian population of Ambon is
likely to be under further serious threat.
Recent peace negotiations between
Chrsitians and Muslims (Malino agreement) seem to mean nothing
as far as the Jihad is concerned. When will this madness stop?
The situation is being carefully monitored.
Rev John Barr
Execuitve Secretary
Unity and International Mission
Uniting Church in Australia National
Assembly |
