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.