Misleading report about Ambon

Tue, 23 Mar 1999, 00:00 WIB | Source: JP

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!