|
|
|
Lawamena
Victoria
Reports
by
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]
|
THE
SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS - Report No. 383
2003-06-09
|
Ambon, September 6, 2003
1.
INSTALLATION GOVERNOR POSTPONED – The appointment of Karel
Albert Ralahalu and Mohammad (“Memet”) Abdullah Latuconsina as
the new Governor and Vice Governor of the Moluccas is about to be
signed by the President of Indonesia. Their installation in their
respective offices will possibly take place in Ambon on September
15, 2003.
2. CIVIL EMERGENCY TO BE LIFTED SOON – Contrary to what was
assumed recently by governor-elect Karel Ralahalu (Report 382),
the central government in Jakarta has decided to end the civil
emergency state for the Moluccas next September 15.
3. RECONCILIATION CELEBRATION IN KUDAMATI – During the years of
conflict the Christian Kudamati neighbourhood in Ambon was both
famous and notorious for its role in the clashes. On the one side
their youngsters fiercely fought for the “Christian cause”
wherever in town, on the other side it was the cradle of the
separatist FKM movement and the terrorist Coker gang. In the
context of the joyful celebration of the city’s 428th birthday
during these days, they invited today Muslims from Waihaong,
Talake, Silale, Tial and Tulehu to join them in “makan patita”
(i.e. a traditional festive meal in which everybody brings
something to eat or to drink, sharing it with anybody present).
Acting governor Sarundayang and town mayor Papilaya took part in
the general rejoicing.
4. OUTBREAK OF RABIES – A sudden and unprecedented outbreak of
(still suspected) rabies has caused the death of six persons in
Ambon since August 28. Nine others are being treated for the same
disease. Local health authorities have issued a number of
preventive measures to be taken by the residents of Ambon and
nearby islands. The Moluccas has always been free of rabies. But
the rhabdo virus may have been brought in with dogs imported from
Kupang or Kendari to meet the shortage of dog meat – which is a
favourite dish for Moluccans, locally called “erwé”.
C.J.Böhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
|
