Patience needed in Ambon

Patience needed in Ambon

A peace parade in Ambon on Saturday (March 2) turned into a frightening scene. Rioting broke out when people from the Christian and Muslim camps approached the Al-Fatah Mosque. Several motorcycles and pedicabs were set on fire and a number of people were reportedly stabbed. Thankfully the situation was quickly controlled and the violence did not spread to other areas.

If all the parties concerned with organizing this parade had learned from past experiences, such an incident could have been avoided. A similar incident occurred in 1999 after the first wave of violence in Ambon was brought under control (the Obor Pattimura incident).

The Malino II peace pact must be successfully implemented. Efforts to inform the people about the peace agreement must continue to be made, and steps must be taken to ensure there is not another Obor Pattimura. All parties involved in the peace process in Ambon must show their prudence.

Once more we have to thank God that the incident on Saturday did not spread.

At this juncture, anything that could result in the recurrence of violence must be closely watched. These include the distribution of weapons, the sale of liquor, student brawls and also the lack of discipline on the part of members of the National Police and the military.

Ambon is not Poso. There are more parties looking after their own interests in Ambon than in Poso, be these interests political or monetary. Only the exercise of patience, namely not demanding instant results, that will bring about lasting peace.

-- Republika, Jakarta