Impartiality needed in Ambon

Impartiality needed in Ambon

Hopefully, the security officers who will soon get there to replace those already on duty in Ambon will be able to do their jobs in a professional manner, not take sides in conflicts and act effectively against anyone destroying places of worship. (But) those effort to restore peace must have the support of all the parties involved in the fighting. All of them must exercise restraint and persuade others not to engage in destructive actions that might invite retaliation.

All this is important because it is the prerequisite for restoring peace and starting the process of reconciliation. In any case, though, no effort toward reconciliation and peace among religious and community leaders can be effective so long as the common people do not see that the handling of the situation is being implemented fairly and with impartially.

Only by fair and firm action can the Ambon problem be settled and the people satisfied. Such a situation is what the government is waiting for.

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta