|
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. 297 2002-06-28
|
Ambon,
June 28, 2002
1.
COMMENTARY ON THE INVESTIGATION TEAM The
Independent Inquiry Team (Tim Penyelidik Independen Nasional /
TPIN) that has been established as an implementation of the
Moluccas Agreement of Malino (see
Reports 235, 253 and 295) and is expected to arrive in Ambon
in the beginning of July, is being critized even before it has
started its investigation efforts. After the provincial House of
Representatives expressed its doubt about the genuine independency
of the Team, the Advocacy Team of Ending the Ambon Case (Tim
Advokasi Penyelesaian Kasus Ambon / TAPAK), too, expressed its
disappointment insofar the Inquiry Team seems to be going to focus
its investigation on the mutual Christian vs.Muslim opposition,
whereas they should include in their investigation those from
outside the Moluccas, such as Laskar Jihad and other Muslims from
outside, RMS/FKM people from elsewhere, the government and more
specifically the military. Several members of the Team they
state belong to or used to be part of these outside forces.
According
to national daily newspaper Republika, Ambon Muslim leader
Mohammad Attamimi doubts the Teams independency, whereas Ambon
Christian Protestant Youth Leader John Ruhulessin doubts is
neutrality.
The
chairman of the Towns Legislative
Council, Drs. Lucky Wattimury, is more optimistic and urges
everybody to endorse all efforts of this team and not to criticize
previously to its activities.
2.
URGING A FAIR ELECTION The bishop of
Amboina, Msgr. P.C.Mandagi, urges via the various local newsmedia
to avoid any political malpractice in connection with the
impending election of a new Governor,
which is to take place next November. One should not spoil
the present tranquil situation by unorderly strife for power. On
the contrary, people have had enough suffering and have the right
to be ruled by one that is most fitting for the job and who lets
common welfare prevail over personal profit.
3.
MISMANAGEMENT ELECTRICITY When the electric
power supply for Ambon was dramatically reduced to a mere 6 hours
daily, following the break-down of the biggest power-plant on May
20, the Town Legislative Council established a team that would
investigate on this mess (see
Report 289). The team has now drawn the conclusion that part
of the trouble is due to serious mismanagement. Within short those
responsible will be called to clarify on some dubious practices
that have been found out. Meanwhile by renting the generator of
the recently shut down plywood factory at Batu Gong (Passo) and
several other smaller generators, the daily allowance of
electricity is gradually increasing now.
4.
TOGETHER REBUILDING THEIR VILLAGES One
can not easily forget what happened to the Christian village of
Duma on North-Halmahera in the province of the North Moluccas, on
May 29, 2000: a devastating attack on the village resulted in 292
houses being burned, 176 residents of the village killed; 137
wounded. People meanwhile have come to their senses. Jawa Pos
daily reports that now Muslims and Christians in close cooperation
are rebuilding the village of Duma and also the nearby villages of
Togawa and Dukolamo. To this end USAID assists by providing
building materials. Other villages in the Galela area, North-Halmahera,
too, received considerable aid. In this way 1.512 new houses have
been built and what is more important yet reconciliation
at the base has been strengthened.
C.J.Bφhm msc,
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
|