Patience needed in Ambon<\/p>\n
A peace parade in Ambon on Saturday (March 2) turned into a
\nfrightening scene. Rioting broke out when people from the
\nChristian and Muslim camps approached the Al-Fatah Mosque.
\nSeveral motorcycles and pedicabs were set on fire and a number of
\npeople were reportedly stabbed. Thankfully the situation was
\nquickly controlled and the violence did not spread to other
\nareas.<\/p>\n
If all the parties concerned with organizing this parade had
\nlearned from past experiences, such an incident could have been
\navoided. A similar incident occurred in 1999 after the first wave
\nof violence in Ambon was brought under control (the Obor
\nPattimura incident).<\/p>\n
The Malino II peace pact must be successfully implemented.
\nEfforts to inform the people about the peace agreement must
\ncontinue to be made, and steps must be taken to ensure there is
\nnot another Obor Pattimura. All parties involved in the peace
\nprocess in Ambon must show their prudence.<\/p>\n
Once more we have to thank God that the incident on Saturday
\ndid not spread.<\/p>\n
At this juncture, anything that could result in the recurrence
\nof violence must be closely watched. These include the
\ndistribution of weapons, the sale of liquor, student brawls and
\nalso the lack of discipline on the part of members of the
\nNational Police and the military.<\/p>\n
Ambon is not Poso. There are more parties looking after their
\nown interests in Ambon than in Poso, be these interests
\npolitical or monetary. Only the exercise of patience, namely not
\ndemanding instant results, that will bring about lasting peace.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/patience-needed-in-ambon-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }