3 FEBRUARY 2000 REPORT

The post-riot condition in District of Central Maluku, particularly the town of Masohi and its surrounding, which is often socialized as safe and controlled by the Dandim 1502 of Central Maluku (one of the army chiefs), Letkol. CHR. SIDABUTAR, is considered a sheer slogan by the Muslims. This is not based on nothing, but it is supported by real condition facts, with the recurring fights between Christian and Muslim people in Sub-district of Amahai, District of Central Maluku.

The fight occurred at two different locations of people residence. One fight took place on 26 January 2000 in Halo Village, and the other on 27 January 2000 in Amahai Village. The riot originated from the attack by Christians towards Muslims, which caused the death of 12 Muslims and 2 others were injured because of the shootings by security forces, which was ordered by the Dandim 1502 of Central Maluku. One of the dead victims from the Muslim side was shot by Serka Alex de Fretes, an officer at the Police Resort of Central Maluku.

Whereas the death victims in Amahai, Soahuku (the birth place of the Army Chief of Pattimura, Brigjen Max Tamaela) and Rutah Villages, were 11 people. One of them was a member of People Representatives Assembly for District of Central Maluku, Drs. M. Rumatiga from PPP Wing. All victims were randomly shot by security forces from Yonif 731 Kabaresi and Police Resort of Central Maluku. Nine victims, including Drs. M. Rumatiga was beheaded after being shot by the forces. The heads were then displayed at Baileo (traditional house) of Amahai, while the bodies were burnt down to cover the trace of security forces shootings.

According to eyewitnesses of the incidents taking place at the two locations, when the incident happened, the Dandim 1502 of Central Maluku, Kasdim (an army official), Captain Wairata, and Wadanyon 731 (also an army official), Major Herman Assaribab, were seen among the Christian attackers. The presence of the three army officials did not reconcile the two fighting parties, but they directed their soldiers to shoot randomly towards the Muslim group who was in defense position.

Another data which were collected from the field, was that one day before the attack by the Christians, another attack already proceeded. The members of Yonif 731 who were guarding the area tried to push back the attacking mass by firing guns. But by the order from Wadanyon 731, Major Herman Assaribab, the member of Yon 731 were examined by the Military Police of Sub Detasemen XVI/2.

Reacting towards the action and behavior of the three officials, both the Islamic Scholars of Maluku and the Advocacy Team of Islamic Scholars of Maluku, declared their regret for their un-neutrality and the un-professionalism in protecting and safeguarding the people’s safety. According to the Advocacy Team of Islamic Scholars of Maluku, the action of Christian group, which was supported by the Dandim, has violated humanity values and was against Human Rights.

Meanwhile, the chairperson of People Legislative Assembly of Central Maluku, Hasbullah Selan, were contacted via the phone for a number of times, but he was not available each time. Whereas the Chairperson of PPP Wing, when asked about the attempt to take the corps’ heads, was reluctant to give an explanation, and only conveyed his condolence for the casualties befallen his people.

The Muslim people of Central Maluku, through the Islamic Scholar of Central Maluku, has called upon the Islamic Scholar of Maluku in the Province of Maluku and Central board of Islamic Scholar, as well as army officials and KPP HAM (Human Rights Violation Investigation Committee), to act upon the behavior and action of the forces, which was far from noble in acting as the Country Defendant (Bhayangkari Negara).

Victims were as follows :

D = Died

13. = Member of People Representative Assembly from PPP Wing

VICTIM DATA FROM SONGA SUB-DISTRICT OF BACAN

(25 JANUARY 2000)

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