Conflicts in Ambon

Conflicts in Ambon

From Media Indonesia

Again there were efforts to end the conflicts in Ambon, and in Maluku in general. As a result, telephone lines and cellular communications were cut off. The State of Civil Emergency doesn't seem to be the best solution to resolving the security problems in the area. The area was isolated for one month, during which time ships from the National Shipping Company (Pelni) did not dock in Maluku.

There are at the moment stationed in Maluku 11 battalions of security personnel, or 12,000 members of the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Police. Too many have become victims of the seemingly unending war. The community in Ambon, as well as in Maluku in general, has suffered from depression and trauma as a result of the violence.

As a civil servant who happens to be assigned to Ambon, I personally feel threatened. Like other people, at anytime I can become the victim of a sniper. Meanwhile, weapons issued by the Army and police have made their way into the hands of civilians. In addition, Ambon has been divided into sectors. Similarly, government and private offices have also been divided into groups.

Soon after the sun sets and evening comes, Ambon looks like a ghost town; yes, everyone is overcome with fear. The residents know they may die at anytime.

At the moment, the number of residents in Ambon has fallen, with many people, mostly Bugis and people from Makasar, Bau-Bau or Kendari, seeking refuge in South Sulawesi. Unfortunately, however, Christians from Ambon and Maluku who wished to take refuge in Irian Jaya were turned away despite their common faith.

I am writing this to provide a picture of life in Ambon and Maluku, with the hope that all parties will agree to immediately stop the bloodshed, looting and burning.

BUDHI TJAHJADI

Bekasi, West Java