Seven years since the violent Muslim-Christian conflict first erupted in January 1999, around 15,788 families are still living in makeshift camps in Ambon city, waiting to be relocated or sent back to their hometowns.

Head of the Maluku Refugees Coalition, Mr. Pieter Pattiwaelapia, said that the situation in Ambon was probably the longest-running internal refugee problem in the country. Despite holding yellow cards, which entitled them to receive assistance, the ineffective system, the complex procedures and the neglect to the technical guidelines for the reconstruction of houses, are disappointing and could not protect the rights of the displaced people.

Mr. Pieter said that the incomplete database has made thousands of families unable to get the help they need. The houses that have been built are not integrated into the proper facilities the government promised in its reconstruction blueprint, are ended up abandoned.

The deadline of resolving the problem has been extended repeatedly. The provincial administration declared the refugee problem would be solved by 31 January this year, after failing to meet the earlier promise to completely bring an end to the problem in December 2005. While the provincial and local administrations say that they have taken steps to improve the situation, Mr. Pieter says little has actually been changed.

Sources:
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina (transcription of Jakarta Post's article)

People were tense when the anniversary of the proclamation of the South Moluccas Republic (RMS), 25 April, was approaching. During the commemoration last year, a violent clash between Christians and Muslims erupted in Ambon, where 34 people died, over 10,000 were displaced and a United Nations office was set ablaze.

The tension was reportedly boosted by the recent shootings and bomb explosions. In a bomb explosion on 21 March, a grenade was thrown by an unidentified individual. Local people responded by stoning a passer-by, causing 19 injuries. The police and the Indonesian military (TNI) were on high alert. Several raids were carried out during the month and a number of people were arrested.

Fortunately, the day's events passed off peacefully, but the violent attack is still the underlying dread of people living in the area. Hotline Asia issued SUA000627(1) in June 2000, calling for the authorities' immediate action to stop the crime and violence in Ambon.

Sources:
Jesuit Refugee Service

On 25 April 2004 during a commemoration of the 54th anniversary of the Christian-associated Republic of South Maluku (PSM) movement, which Muslims regarded as provocation, a violent clash between pro-PSM and their opponents erupted in Ambon.

According to the local authorities, the violence was caused by a separatist group, Maluku Sovereignty Front, which is not recognized by the local Church. (The Front's leader, Manuputty, claims the Indonesian justice system discriminates against the Christian minority.)

The clashes have sparked fears that the region could plunge back into Muslim-Christian battles similar to those two years ago, which was finally ended by a peace pact signed between the two groups in 2002. By 2 May 2004, at least 34 people had died, over 10,000 were displaced and a United Nations office was set ablaze.

According to the local source, the situation calmed down by mid-May, three weeks after the eruption of violence. However, many people are still afraid to move across the most heavily affected areas between Muslim and Christian neighbourhood.

Hotline Asia in 2002 responded to the horrid situation in Ambon and Moluccas with SUA000627(1) and supported calls for the authorities' immediate action to stop the crime and violence in the area.

Sources:
South China Morning Post, Jesuit Refugee Service.

In June 2000, as a response to the local urgent call from Ambon/Moluccas, Indonesia, asking for international attention and pressure to urge the Indonesian government to immediately stop the military, local Muslims and the jihad forces' brutal attacks and killings done to the Christians, Hotline issued Special Urgent Appeal SUA000627(1). In May 2001, we updated on efforts of the locals in the area, gradually building towards a more peaceful situation.

In brief, the current situation in North Moluccas and Ambon, as mentioned in the Christmas Update, is relatively calm, with intermingling and occasional violence due to potential source of conflicts. The internally displaced people are being encouraged and assisted by the government to return to their original homesteads. Foreigners are now allowed after a long time ban on foreigners entering Ambon.

For those who are interested, more detailed and frequent information is available from the source: Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, upon request at <crisiscentre01@hotmail.com>.

In June 2000, Hotline issued Special Urgent Appeal SUA000627(1) to respond to the local urgent call from Ambon/Moluccas, Indonesia, asking for International attention and pressure to urge the Indonesian government to immediately stop the military, local Muslims and the jihad forces' brutal attacks and killings done to the Christians. Apparently, the government was unable to stop violence involving Muslim identities. In late 2000, the UN financially assisted internally displaced persons (IDPs); Grassroots Christian and Muslim leaders of Maluku also met and planned to end the civil war. Recently, there have been more reports on efforts of the locals in the area, gradually building towards a more peaceful situation.

Below is a part of an article from TAPOL Bulletin No. 161, March/April 2001, regarding the recent situation in Ambon / Moluccas (Maluku) for your information. Those who want the whole article please write to us.

More detailed and frequent updates and reports is also available from the Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina. For subscription, please contact them at comamq@ambon.wasantara.net.id or write to us for further contact information.

Security Situation Improves According to Tomagola, about 80 per cent of North Maluku has returned to normal. Both the 'whites' (the Muslims) and the 'reds' (the Christians) have agreed to a truce and the laying down of arms. In the remainder of the territory, people still cling to their weapons, fearing that violence may erupt again. In South-east Maluku the situation has vastly improved; the region has now entered the stage of social reconstruction. Religious and traditional leaders are determined to heal the wounds of past conflicts and gradually restore the traditional values to their society. In particular, informal leaders and the local Catholic Church have shown great courage in their efforts to restore peace. Individuals from outside harbouring malicious intentions have been expelled and any suspicious visitors have been told to leave. Most of the provocation originates from these external elements, including armed groups who claim that they can create 'stability' through violence. The newly-appointed governor of the recently-created North Maluku province, has played a positive role in the process of reconciliation. Both sides recognise him as nonpartisan and having good intentions. The number of outsiders is relatively small as compared with Central Maluku and there are far fewer Laskar Jihad trouble- makers, not more than 200 people. In contrast with the armed Laskar Jihad gangs in Central Maluku, these people confine themselves to social activities and proselytising non-Muslims rather than getting involved in warlike pursuits. (special thanks to Tapol Bulletin)