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