Ambon residents get into celebratory mood

Ambon residents get into celebratory mood

M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon

There has been a change in the atmosphere marking the country's
anniversary celebrations in the Kudamati area of Ambon, notorious
as a stronghold of the self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic
(RMS) supporters.

This year, however, the celebration spirit was in the air in
the conflict-prone area, which is usually heavily guarded by
security personnel because it is where many RMS leaders reside
and many RMS flags have been raised in recent years.

Red-and-white national flags adorned most streets and houses,
while residents from all walks of life took part in the
traditional games held each year.

"We are celebrating Aug. 17 to show our appreciation of war
heroes who fought for the country's independence," Rido Patty, a
Kudamati resident, told The Jakarta Post.

Another resident, Hendrik Anakotta, realized that the area was
still branded a separatists' base, but insisted that the movement
was not supported by all residents.

"Many people say that our village is an RMS stronghold. In
fact, the desire to seek independence only comes from a limited
number of people, not all of us," Hendrik said.

Head of Kudamati subdistrict, Jemmy Paais, praised his
residents that put flags up to show that they were still an
integrated part of the country amid the village's rebellious
image.

"(Being part of) Indonesia is absolute. Amid the bad image of
the village, with people saying 'it's prone to conflict', we
still have our spirit of togetherness," said Jemmy.

That spirit, he said, could be seen as Muslim residents in the
predominantly Christian village had recently started to return to
their homes.

He said there should be no more acts to seek independence
since the province badly needs its people to help it rebuild.

"We should learn from our past experience. Don't let outsiders
ruin us, destroying our pela gandong (relationship based on
tradition in Maluku)," Jemmy said.

He said Kudamati residents celebrated the country's
anniversary just like any other citizens. "We celebrate the day
as part of our loyalty to the country and the nation," he said.

Another Kudamati resident, Rein Souisa, rejected the village's
reputation as an RMS stronghold.

"It's not right to brand the village as an RMS base simply
because of the actions of certain people," she said.

Meanwhile, acting chief of Kudamati village, Nyong Supusepa,
who was once an RMS supporter, said he first got involved with
the group due to his dissatisfaction with the government's
inability to solve long conflicts in the province.

He was also unhappy with unequal distribution of development
in eastern parts of the country compared to the western parts.

He then joined RMS, lured by its vision to self-govern the
region.

"But it was back then, a long time ago. Now I realize that I
was only offered dreams by RMS leaders. Now I only want to be a
good Indonesian citizen," said Nyong Supusepa.