CRISIS CENTRE DIOCESE OF AMBOINA
Jalan Pattimura 32 - Ambon 97124 ( Indonesia
Tel 0062 (0)911 342195 Fax 0062 (0)911 355337
e-mail [email protected]

Ambon, December 02, 2002

1. SARUNDAYANG APPOINTED AS ACTING GOVERNOR – Sinyo Harry Sarundayang, who recently ended his assignment as acting Governor of the Province of the North Moluccas, has been appointed by President Megawati Soekarnoputri as the acting Governor of the Province of the Moluccas, replacing M.S. Latuconsina, whose term had been extended with one month last November 13.

2. BOMB EXPLOSION – At 9.20 p.m. last Saturday, November 30, a bomb exploded in the Kampung Kolam area, Batugantung, Ambon town. There were no casualties. Meanwhile the Town Mayor, M.J. Papilaya, has barred any selling and letting off of fireworks in connection with the New Year’s celebrations. In Tual, acting the Bupati (territorial executive) of the S.E. Moluccas, A.G.Wokanubun, promulgated a similar prohibition in order to forestall any real bomb attacks under the disguise of peaceful fireworks.

3. PROVOCATIVE LETTER SPREAD IN TUAL – Muslim run “Ambon Express” local newspaper today reports extensively on the spreading of an unsigned letter with a provocative message among the population of Kei-Kecil, S.E.Moluccas. However, its contents is not published by the newspaper. Civil security posts are now being reinstalled and security forces upgrade their alertness. In connecction with this mysterious letter, meetings have been held between local government authorities and between religious leaders. Acting Bupati A.G.Wokanubun announced that within short in Tual (regional capital) an interreligious parade would be organized in order to consolidate the renewed good relationship between Christians and Muslims.

4. FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR RETURNING REFUGEES – Further explaining on the financial help to refugees that are disposed to return to their homesteads (see Report 332) Governor M.S.Latuconsina stated that in returning to their original homesteads, the refugees will be given 10 million rupiahs (about US$ 1,150) in cash to rebuild their houses. Those refugees that want to build a house elsewhere will not receive any financial assistance, since – thus Latuconsina said – it has been proved that often those funds are misused for buying luxuries like tape recorders etc.

5. ILLEGAL TRADE IN FUEL – Two local companies are currently under investigation because suspected of illegally selling some 170 tons of fuel to foreign ships. Moluccas Police chief commander Sutrisno stated that up to now there is no evidence that any police personnel was involved in this unlawful act.

C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina

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