Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 51
16-23 November 2001
MALUKU
General Situation
On a call by the Protestant and Catholic Churches in Ambon, Christians in Ambon
went on a 3-day mourning from 20-22 November to protest the recent violence in
Ambon, which claimed over 10 lives last week, and the attack on Waimulang, Buru on
1 November that left 4 people dead. All Christian businesses were closed and
transport and most other activities came to a halt. Christians in government service
and local staff of aid agencies stayed away from work. The campaign included prayers
in all churches. Additional roadblocks were established by hardliners to enforce the
protest. Muslim leaders criticised the Christian action, calling it politically inspired and
provocative.
No security incidents were reported since last week, but aid agencies were again
forced to curtail most activities outside Ambon because of the tension that continued
throughout the week.
National Police Chief General Bimantoro stated in Ambon that more than 1,000
weapons and ammunition looted from a police base in 1999 are still missing and
believed to be in the possession of civilians in Maluku.
Population Movements
Mercy Corps reported that conditions in Central Seram had improved considerably
and that some 50 families had decided to move back to their village in Sapta Marga in
Seram.
Assessments
An AcF assessment team recently returned from TNS and Masohi sub-districts on
Seram Island and reported a shortage of gasoline, diesel and kerosene in those
areas.
A four-day needs assessment mission to Buton, South-East Sulawesi, involving FAO,
SC UK, CWS, Oxfam UK, IMC and OCHA, was completed on 23 November. IDPs in
Buton were displaced from Ambon, Maluku, in the initial stages of the conflict, but
their roots are Butonese. The mission found that many IDPs are well integrated, in
particular those who still have family ties in the island. Many others, whose links to
Buton are more remote and who arrived empty-handed, need support to develop
sustainable livelihoods. A mission report should be available soon. Special thanks go
to SC UK for their invaluable assistance in organising the mission.
Food Security and Agriculture
AcF distributed seeds and tools kits to 1,220 households in TNS and Masohi
sub-districts.
AcF continued the distribution of income-generation kits to specific target groups in
the Muslim areas of Ambon while activities had to be suspended in the Christian
areas.
Health
IMC refurbished and began operating the health centre in Wamsisi village in South
Buru with a doctor in residence. The NGO also set up a communications system in
the area. An outbreak of dysentery was reported in Wamsisi and two nearby villages.
There has been no immunisation activity in the area this year.
The UNICEF team that went to Buru is now finalising and consolidating the work-plan
for safe motherhood in 2002.
MSF-B has started implementing a "Reinforced Mobile Clinic" programme, which
includes hygiene and health education. The nurse who will be implementing the
outreach programme in Buru, East- and West Seram arrived in Ambon this week.
A WHO mission from Jakarta was in Ambon to consult with the Provincial Health
Department on the ongoing baseline survey of services at Puskesmas (community
health clinic) level in Maluku and make preparations for the workshop on 'Health as a
Bridge for Peace', which is scheduled for the first week of December. The workshop
will target middle and high management health workers in the Provincial Health Office.
Other
An ICMC training team arrived from Jakarta to conduct training for several NGOs on
institutional capacity building.
NORTH MALUKU
Population Movements
Satkorlak (the provincial co-ordination body) announced that there would be no
movement of IDPs during the holy Islamic month of Ramadhan.
Assessments
A UNICEF team conducted an assessment of the situation and needs of traumatised
children in Tobelo and Galela sub-districts and in Ternate city between 18 and 21
November. On 22 November, UNICEF made a presentation in Ternate city on play
therapy and the Eye Movement Desensitisation and Rehabilitation (EMDR) technique,
which was attended by government officials departments, academics as well as local
and international NGOs.
Food Security and Agriculture
AcF distributed food, seeds and tools to 7,017 returnees (1,948 families) in Bacan
sub-district.
Health
MDM carried out health, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities in Jailolo, Sahu
and Ibu sub-districts. MDM also conducted refresher training on malaria and diarrhoea
for 101 cadres selected from health centres in Sahu, Ibu and Jailolo sub-districts.
IMC assistance to health services continues at health centres in Tobelo, Galela, Kao,
Daruba and Posi-Posi Rao, South Morotai sub-district, and Bere-Bere, North Morotai
sub-district.
WVI conducted health training for 277 mothers with children under five in 15 IDP
camps in Ternate city. Hygiene kits were given to the mothers. To mark Indonesian
National Health day, WVI held a competition involving school-age children from 7
elementary schools and 15 IDPs camps on Saturday (10 Nov.). These activities are
meant to encourage community interaction and peace building.
Water and Sanitation
WVI cleaned wells in 8 villages of Malifut, Kao, Tobelo and Galela sub-districts.
This report and all previous ones can be found on OCHA's website at
www.reliefweb.int
Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
UN Building 4th Floor
Jl. MH. Thamrin 14
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