Muslims, Christians make peace

TERNATE, North Maluku: Some 2,000 Muslims and Christians in Loloda subdistrict on Halmahera island, North Maluku, held on Friday a traditional Baku Bae (peace-making) ceremony.

The island has been divided by communal conflict since 1999.

The ceremony was attended by North Maluku Governor Muhyi Effendie, security commanders and local figures, Antara reported.

The ceremony began with both parties laying down thousands of weapons, such as bombs, arrow and spears, before destroying all of them together.

They also agreed to ignore any provocation.

Christian residents in Loloda several times reportedly refused to allow Muslims refugees to return to their homes in and around Halmahera, but have apparently had a change of heart.(hdn)