Can this peace hold?

The events that have occurred in the past few days in Ambon, the main trading port and capital city of the province of Maluku, reveal a number of developments that are most certainly worth keeping track of. It is true that so far, the reports from Ambon that have reached Jakarta have brought us news that can only be described as not only favorable, but favorable beyond expectation. Sunday's minor incident, however, may serve as a warning that, at least at this moment, all is not quite well in Ambon, not to mention the rest of Maluku.

To encapsulate in the proverbial nutshell the developments of the past few days in Maluku: Last Thursday, without any prior disclosure or forewarning, thousands of residents, Muslims and Christians alike, started joyously parading side by side through the streets of Ambon, on foot and in motorcades, celebrating the peace that has descended on the province in the wake of the second Malino peace conference last month. Reports made mention of people embracing each other in the streets, old friends started visiting each other again with no regard of ethnic grouping or religion and markets and shopping malls were filled with people. This spontaneous public expression of reconciliation and joy followed a mass rally by thousands of people on Wednesday to promote the Malino peace accord. The joyful mood extended into the following days.

On Saturday, however, a small incident occurred that could have put an end to the celebratory mood just as abruptly as it started. A group of reportedly drunken high school students pelted participants in the march, injuring at least five. Fortunately, the marchers refused to let themselves be provoked and the incident was quickly contained so no further violence occurred. Instead, it provided an opportunity for Muslims to give expression to their community spirit by protecting Christians trapped inside.

Obviously, this newly refound spirit of communal belonging is something to be glad about. Nevertheless, Saturday's incident, however small, is a stark reminder for Indonesians that a sustained peace in Ambon, or in Maluku, must not be taken for granted. It is worth keeping in mind that the past three years of strife in Maluku began with a meaningless spat over a bus fare.

There are a number of possible reasons why such an insignificant incident can grow into a major conflict that killed thousands, claimed innumerable amounts of property damage and took three years to pacify. Animosity between groups due to either feelings of ethnic chauvinism or perceived economic or social injustices are among them. One other possible cause that cannot simply be brushed off under current political circumstances, however, is that agents provocateurs are at work to stir up trouble for reasons only they and the ones behind them know for certain.

In any case, now that we have come to a point in Maluku's history where peace is emerging as a viable alternative to strife, it is the duty of every Indonesian citizen to help in further promoting that peace process. This goes first and foremost for all the leaders in the region, formal and informal, who are responsible for maintaining communal peace and harmony in the area.

For the security authorities in Ambon under Governor Saleh Latuconsina this means that first priority must be given to the enforcement of the law. The erstwhile prevailing spirit of communal harmony must be restored. For this purpose, warring Muslim and Christian groups must be disarmed and groups or organizations of militants who have no business being in Maluku must be made to leave. The provincial judiciary must be made functional again.

Admittedly, the job before us is not an easy one. But peace in Maluku can only be maintained and social harmony restored by persevering where perseverance is needed.