Ambon people's hopes for peace needs support

Ambon people's hopes for peace needs support

Muslims and Christians in Ambon have, surprisingly, shown
their enthusiasm and happiness by going around the city in
cheerful convoys and exchanging visits during the last three
days.

It was reported that a commotion disturbed the parade of the
two groups on Saturday, causing stabbing injuries to two persons
and the burning of a number of motorcycles and pedicabs. But most
people in Ambon are longing for peace in the region.

They showed their yearning for peace and reconciliation
enthusiastically. A number of Christians who were trapped in the
Ambon Plaza shopping mall during violence said they were safe
from danger thanks to protection provided by Muslims.

The small incident could be overcome soon. Even so, its was a
warning that the conflict has not been thoroughly settled.
However small the disturbance, it can spark large-scale violence,
especially if provocateurs are involved.

There are local people, and perhaps also outsiders, who have
different intentions. We should remember that causing damage is
easier and quicker than building.

It is necessary to take strict measures against provocateurs.
Follow up steps are needed to accommodate emotional enthusiasm
for peace and reconciliation and to cope with provocation that
stimulates violence.

Social conflicts sparked by ethnic, religious and racial
issues like those breaking out in Ambon, Poso and several other
places are not mere incidents nor local commotions.

We should see conflicts, the regionalism spirit and their
interaction with global influences in the context of social and a
country's development. From that point of view, conflicts in
Ambon and other areas constitutes a national phenomenon which
interacts with global development.

-- Kompas, Jakarta