Misleading report about Ambon

In many cases you have published news about Ambon which I find strange and tendentious. I particularly refer to articles of your March 6 and March 11 issues. In both articles you wrote the same paragraph (second from bottom) which reads as follows: "The violence was initially sparked by a dispute between a Muslim migrant and a local Christian driver of a public minibus on Jan. 19." What do you mean by this repetitive paragraph?

We are not blind and deaf. The tragedy has been going on for more than one month.

Almost all Indonesians know that:

* A Christian who broke his promise to pay the rental fee on a vehicle owned by a Muslim initially sparked the violence.

* It is clear that the violence was planned and it was not a dispute but an attack.

* You said "a Muslim migrant", but actually he was born in Ambon. Because of that statement a perception is built up which justifies a Muslim exodus. In fact, Islam was there even before the Portuguese came to annex Ambon.

I believe you should not violate the ethics and spirit of journalism and I request that you not repeat the misleading, above-mentioned statement which has the potential to develop hatred and vengeance. Keep the reform spirit to maintain unity and integrity of our country!

TASNO TASLIM

Cilegon, West Java

Note: We based our report on police statements.

-- Editor