Unofficial summary of local press articles from Maluku (31/12/01) #2147
21- 27 December 2001
*Kapaha-Tantui residents protest TNI placement*
*Armed hoodlums intending to vandalise church caught by Police*
NORTH MALUKU PRESS EXCERPTS Friday, 21 December 2001 (31/12/01) #2146
*PHASE II DISTRIBUTION OF SIDE-DISH MONEY FOR IDPs IN TERNATE CITY*
*IDPs FROM IBU SUB-DISTRICT STILL DISPLACED IN TERNATE CITY*
*PROVINCIAL GOVERNEMENT WILL PROVIDE BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR
RETURNEES*
*NUMBER OF IDPs IN NORTH MALUKU INCREASE*
*TRANSMIGRANT IDPs HAVE RETURNED TO NORTH MALUKU*
*NO IDPS FROM POSO IN NORTH MALUKU*
*RETURNEES IN TOBELO ASK THE GOVERNEMT TO RETURN IDPS IN TOBELO
TO THEIR OWN VILLAGES*
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 56 (31/12/01) #2145
21 - 28 December 2001
MALUKU * One person died and six reportedly injured in three separate incidents on
Thursday (27 Dec.) in Ambon. Two police and two civilians were reportedly injured
during a shootout between the police and the army in Galala. Two police officers were
injured when unidentified armed persons shot at a police escort on its way to the
airport. And one person is killed when unidentified armed persons shot at a speedboat
traversing the Ambon Bay.
NORTH MALUKU * The provincial health office this week carried out the third phase of
the WHO-funded training on malaria for primary health centre (Puskesmas)
paramedics.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 219 (30/12/01) #2142
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, December 28, 2001
INTRUDERS – On the same day, in the christian village of Passo, two alleged Brimob
policemen were unmasked as imposters. Several dozens of terrorists – both
christians and muslims – are reported to have come to Ambon recently in order to
make trouble during the Christmas and New Year’s celebrations. Several of these
are said to have been detected and detained.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 218 (30/12/01) #2140
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, December 25, 2001
PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS – We are happy to report that up to this moment – the
evening of December 25 – there have been no reports of any unrest in the city of
Ambon. The christians have been able to celebrate Christmas without any
disturbance.
Soldiers and police in gunfight in Indonesia's Ambon... (28/12/01) #2139
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Thursday December 27, 2001 4:51 PM
AMBON, Indonesia, Dec 27 (AFP) - At least three people were hurt in a shootout
between Indonesian police, soldiers and marines in the riot-torn city of Ambon,
residents and a navy officer said Thursday.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 55 (28/12/01) #2133
14 - 21 December 2001
MALUKU * On the morning of 19 December, a Christian boat on its way from Benteng
to Galala in Ambon Bay and carrying 11 passengers was attacked by armed men
from three other boats. Nine people were killed and one seriously injured. The incident
prompted a demonstration by a group of Christians in front of the governor's office
calling for immediate government action. The Bishop of the Maluku Protestant Church
Synod, Rev. Broery Hendriks, accompanied by a few church members, conducted
prayers in protest of the security situation in Ambon at the foot of the national flag in
front of the governor's office. The governor, Saleh Latuconsina, later invited him for a
meeting.
NORTH MALUKU * CARDI project staff members met with village leaders in Jailolo,
Sahu, and Ibu sub-districts to identify pilot income-generating activities that will be
supported by the organisation.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 217 (28/12/01) #2132
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
BRIEF VISIT BY SUPREME POLICE COMMANDER / BRIMOB PROTEST –
National Supreme Police Commander (Kapolri) Da’i Bachtiar paid a two hours’ visit
to Ambon yesterday. While he was having a meeting at the Police Headquarters in
Ambon, there was a sudden burst of gunfire outside, causing people in the street to
flee to safety. Even some of the officers inside panicked.
Gunmen kill 9 Christians in Indonesia (28/12/01) #2131
The Times of India, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21, 2001
AMBON, Indonesia: Gunmen shot dead nine Christians travelling in a boat in the
riot-torn eastern Indonesian city of Ambon, residents and hospital sources said on
Wednesday.
9 killed in attack on boat in Indonesia's troubled Ambon (28/12/01) #2130
KYODO NEWS, 2001/12/21 updated 07:46
JAKARTA, Dec. 19, Kyodo - Nine people were killed and two injured following an
attack Wednesday by an unidentified armed group on a boat ferrying mostly local
traders within Indonesia's troubled Ambon Island, the state-run news agency Antara
said Wednesday.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 216 (20/12/01) #2129
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
NINE SPEEDBOAT PASSENGERS KILLED – At about 6.20 in morning of December
19, the christian speedboat “Haturua”, powered by two Yamaha outboard engines of
40 HP, left the anchorage of Galala, east of the city of Ambon, on its routine voyage
to Benteng / Gudang Arang at the western end of the city. Since only from 7.00 a.m.
onwards security forces guarantee escort to these passenger boats, there were no
military or police servicemen on board.
Speedboat attack on Indonesian ferry (20/12/01) #2128
BBC World News, Wednesday, 19 December, 2001, 09:28 GMT
Gunmen in Indonesia's Moluccan islands have shot and killed at least nine Christians.
The attackers, who were travelling in a speedboat, opened fire on a ferry carrying local
traders to an early morning fish and vegetable market in the city of Ambon.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 215 (20/12/01) #2125
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
VICTIMIZING THE VICTIMS – The last sentence of our Report of 11 December
(Report 213) was: “Muslim speedboats departed from the muslim stronghold of
Rumahtiga to try and save the victims that had jumped into the water”. Thus the
official recount of what happened. However on December 13 local TV showed victims
in the hospital telling what had actually happened: indeed some speedboats with
muslims came to the site of the disaster, but not in order to save those that had
jumped off the hapless motorboat “California” into the sea. On the contrary they
stabbed those swimming in the water with knives and bayonets, lashed out at them
with anchors or turned their speedboats around in order to hit the victims with their
propellers.
Christians terrorized by Laskar Jihad (20/12/01) #2124
THE WASHINGTON TIMES,Monday, December 17, 2001
Julia Duin, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Steve Snyder's moment of truth came on Nov. 19 at about 5:30 a.m.
He was lying on a bed in a hotel room in Palu, a small city on Sulawesi, a
pinwheel-shaped Indonesian island straddling the equator. He wondered: Should he
and his companions venture further into the island's war-torn interior?
Indonesia: A year of bloodshed and despair (20/12/01) #2123
Asia Times (atimes.com), December 19, 2001
By Bill Guerin
JAKARTA - A year ago it was not difficult to predict that Indonesia would remain
hostage to politics in 2001, but few predicted the stranglehold on progress would
reach such an acute level.
Fresh violence hits Ambon, nine killed (20/12/01) #2122
The Jakarta Post, (12/19/2001 7:32:47 PM)
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Gunmen opened fire on the Haturua speedboat in Teluk Ambon
Baguala Bay on Wednesday morning, killing nine passengers and injuring two others.
Nine shot dead in Ambon as Indonesia boosts security (20/12/01) #2121
REUTERS, Wednesday December 19, 2001 8:16 PM
By Grace Nirang
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Gunmen shot dead nine Christians in Indonesia's eastern
Ambon city on Wednesday and police said they could not rule out the possibility of
unrest erupting elsewhere during next week's Christmas celebrations.
Gunmen kill nine Christians in Indonesian city (20/12/01) #2120
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Wednesday December 19, 2001 1:24 PM
AMBON, Indonesia, Dec 19 (AFP) - Gunmen shot dead nine Christians travelling in a
boat in the riot-torn eastern Indonesian city of Ambon, residents and hospital sources
said Wednesday
Nine Die In Sectarian Attacks In Indonesia Maluku Islands (20/12/01) #2119
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Tuesday December 18, 2001
JAKARTA, Dec. 18 (AP) -- Unidentified gunmen on a speedboat opened fire on a ferry
carrying Christians in Indonesia's eastern Maluku islands on Wednesday, killing at
least nine people, witnesses and medical officials said.
Poso's warring factions agree to end conflict (20/12/01) #2118
The Jakarta Post, (12/19/2001 11:29:34 PM)
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): For the fifth, but hopefully last, time, delegates of
the two warring factions in strife-torn Poso, Central Sulawesi, have agreed to end the
three-year conflict that has claimed more than 2,000 lives.
Poso delegations to Malino for peace talks (20/12/01) #2117
The Jakarta Post, (12/18/2001 10:24:42 PM)
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): In the midst of a brutal religious war that has
claimed thousands of lives over the last three years in Poso, Central Sulawesi,
delegations from the two conflicting factions have arrived in Makassar on their way
toMalino to hold peace talks and end the conflict.
International Terrorist in Poso (20/12/01) #2115
Jubilee Campaign USA, December 19, 2001
Dear Friend,
(This message was passed to us through Charles W Cole from Jakarta, Indonesia)
Poso Regency of Central Sulawesi the site of intense attacks upon Christians and the
destruction of Christian villages has been used as a base and training site by
international terrorist groups, National Intelligence Agency Chief, A.M. Hendropriyono
said on Wednesday.
Troubled Indonesia's Poso said calm before holiday (18/12/01) #2113
REUTERS, Saturday December 15, 1:48 AM
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesians have been travelling through Poso town on
Sulawesi island on their way to celebrate Sunday's Muslim festival, a sign officials
say shows the ravaged area is returning to normal after November's religious killings.
Lawmaker Decries Terrorist Attacks in Indonesia (18/12/01) #2112
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
International Information Programs
(Representative Pitts speaks out against Laskar Jihad) (430)
Representative Joseph Pitts (Republican of Pennsylvania) says the Indonesian
terrorist group Laskar Jihad is causing "tremendous destruction, death, and internal
displacement" in that country.
Marines get new assignment in Maluku (17/12/01) #2111
The Jakarta Post, December 17, 2001
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
In wake of an explosion that ripped through a passenger ferry, killing nine people and
injuring dozens more, Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina has ordered the Marine
Corps to escort ships and patrol seaports in the war-torn province.
11 killed, 35 missing as ferry sinks off Poso (17/12/01) #2110
The Jakarta Post, December 17, 2001
The Jakarta Post, Ampana
A ferry, carrying twice its maximum load of passengers, capsized in Tomini Bay off
Central Sulawesi province, leaving at least 11 people dead and 35 others missing,
authorities said.
Maluku's intelligence is very weak: Latuconsina (17/12/01) #2109
The Jakarta Post, 15 Dec. 2001
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Civil emergency administrator, Maluku Governor Saleh
Latuconsina said that the poor intelligence system has contributed to the security
forces' failure in anticipating outbreaks of violence in the restive province.
Religious war brews in Indonesia's Sulawesi... (17/12/01) #2107
San Francisco Chronicle, Friday, December 14, 2001
Ian Timberlake, Chronicle Foreign Service
Poso, Indonesia -- The requests come in hushed tones or with a nervous smile:
Send us some guns. "Then I'll shoot some jihad," said a Christian fighter who gave his
name as Anton, 24. "America hasn't helped us yet." Thousands of Christian villagers
in this Central Sulawesi district have fled to the hills to escape a recent offensive by
Muslim holy warriors.
Al-Qaeda terrorists said to have trained in Sulawesi (17/12/01) #2106
ABC, 14/12/01 4:51:52
Indonesia's intelligence chief says foreign members of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda
group had trained in a district of Central Sulawesi which has been hit by
Muslim-Christian fighting.
World council of churches urges Indonesia to end... (17/12/01) #2105
ABC, 13/12/01 12:05:31
The World Council of Churches has called on the Indonesian government to end
religious violence in central Sulawesi province.
Moluccas tense after riots (14/12/01) #2103
BBC World News, Wednesday, 12 December, 2001, 09:47 GMT
Troops are patrolling the streets of the Indonesian city of Ambon, on the Moluccan
Islands, following violent protests by Christian residents.
INDONESIA: Is the Laskar Jihad seeking to de-Christianise... (14/12/01) #2102
ABC, Thursday, 13 December 2001
The United States has issued a new list of so-called terrorist organisations whose
members will be refused entry into the US. Although Malaysia's Al-Ma-unah group,
and the Philippine's New People's Army are on the black list of 39-terrorist
organisations, Indonesia's notorious Laskar Jihad militia does not get a mention.
Indonesia to Begin War on Terror (14/12/01) #2101
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Thursday December 13, 2001 12:40 PM ET
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Indonesia's defense minister on Thursday vowed an
all-out assault on terrorism after the government claimed for the first time that Osama
bin Laden's terror network had operations in Indonesia.
Indonesia confirms al-Qaeda presence (14/12/01) #2100
BBC World News, Wednesday, 12 December, 2001, 13:02 GMT
By the BBC's Jonathan Head in Jakarta
Authorities in Indonesia have acknowledged for the first time the ties between local
Islamic groups and Osama Bin Laden's al-Qaeda network.
Al-Qaeda foreigners trained in riot-hit Sulawesi:... (14/12/01) #2099
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Thursday December 13, 2001 5:09 PM
JAKARTA, Dec 12 (AFP) - Indonesia's intelligence chief said Thursday foreign
members of Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda group had trained in a district of Central
Sulawesi torn apart by Muslim-Christian fighting.
Al-Qaida links cited in Indonesia
For first time, official links bin Laden’s group to local unrest (14/12/01) #2098
MSNBC, December 12, 2001
MSNBC NEWS SERVICES
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Dec. 12 — Indonesia’s intelligence chief said Wednesday that
Osama bin Laden’s terror network has training camps on Sulawesi island.
Al-Qaeda Linked To Violence Against Christians in Indonesia (14/12/01) #2097
CNSNews, December 12, 2001
By Patrick Goodenough, Pacific Rim Bureau Chief
Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) - Indonesia's government has for the first time
admitted there are links between foreign terrorist groups, including al-Qaeda, and local
militants engaged in a violent struggle against Indonesian Christians.
Indonesia group tied to al Qaeda kills Christians (14/12/01) #2096
THE WASHINGTON TIMES,12/13/2001
Ian Timberlake, THE WASHINGTON TIMES
Published 12/13/2001
POSO, Indonesia — Thousands of Christian villagers have fled into the hills of
Sulawesi island to escape an offensive by Muslim holy warriors linked by the
government yesterday to Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda terror network.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 214 (13/12/01) #2093
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina
VICTIMS OF THE BOMB BLAST ON THE CALIFORNIA MOTORBOAT – Motorboat
"California" on its voyage from Gudang Arang to Galala in the morning of December
11, had about 80 passengers on board. Seven of these have been confirmed to be
killed; 42 have burns, several of whom are in critical condition. Among those injured
there are three marine servicemen. Another three marines are said to be missing.
Also several passengers are missing and people are wondering whether these might
have been abducted.
Osama bin Laden linked to indonesia's sectarian violence (13/12/01) #2091
ABC 13/12/01 4:21:01
Indonesia's intelligence chief says foreign terrorists, including Osama bin Laden's
al-Qaeda network, are co-operating with local radicals on Indonesia's Sulawesi island
which has been wracked by fighting between Christians and Muslims. Lieutenant
Geneneral Hendropriyono told reporters after meeting President Megawati
Sukarnoputri that the foreigners are working with local militant groups, responsible for
much of the fighting.
Ambon remains tense, death toll rises (13/12/01) #2090
The Jakarta Post, December 13, 2001
Octovianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
The Maluku capital of Ambon remained tense and deserted on Wednesday as most
people chose to stay home amid tightened security.
Two more Marines found dead in Ambon ship explosion (13/12/01) #2089
The Jakarta Post, (12/12/2001 10:12:22 PM)
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Tension gripped restive Ambon on Wednesday as two more
Marines' bodies were found in the wreckage of the ship KM Kalifornia. It had caught
fire following a strong explosion on Tuesday morning, which killed at least seven
people and injured no less than 45 others.
Seven killed, 42 injured in Ambon explosion (13/12/01) #2088
The Jakarta Post, December 12, 2001
Novi Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
At least seven people were killed and 42 others were seriously injured in a strong
explosion onboard the California which was in Ambon Bay sailing to Galala ferry port
from Banteng near the provincial capital city of Ambon on Tuesday.
Indonesia's Ambon nervous after riots over ferry blast (13/12/01) #2087
REUTERS, Wednesday December 12, 2001 5:01 PM
By Tomi Soetjipto
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's ravaged city of Ambon was quiet but nervous on
Wednesday after riots triggered by a mysterious explosion on a ferry which killed up
to 10 people, officials said.
More Deaths, Destruction in Ambon (13/12/01) #2086
Laksamana.Net, December 12, 2001 01:17 AM
Laksamana.Net - Thousands of angry locals ran amok in Ambon, Maluku province,
burning down the provincial legislative assembly building Tuesday (11/12/01) after an
explosion on a passenger boat killed at least seven people, reports said.
Death toll from Ambon boat explosion rises to seven (13/12/01) #2085
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Wednesday December 12, 2001 2:45 PM
The death toll from a boat explosion in a bay off Indonesia's strife-torn Ambon island
rose to seven after the body of a young girl was found, the Antara news agency said.
The body of Meilan, 10, was found drifting near the Halong navy port in the Bay of
Ambon, Antara said.
World Council of Churches urges Indonesia to end... (13/12/01) #2084
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Wednesday December 12, 2001 7:28 PM
GENEVA, Dec 12 (AFP) - The World Council of Churches called on the Indonesian
government Wednesday to put an end to religious violence in central Sulawesi
province, which has left around 300 dead in the last two years and forced hundreds to
flee.
WCC alerts UNHCHR to increasing sectarian violence... (13/12/01) #2083
WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES
In a letter sent today to Mary Robinson, United Nations High Commissioner for
Human Rights, World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Konrad
Raiser raised concerns about increasing sectarian violence in Central Sulawesi,
Indonesia. Reporting on the destruction of homes and churches and displacement of
people, the WCC urges Mrs Robinson to call upon the government of Indonesia "to
pay serious attention to the sectarian violence taking place in Sulawesi before it
degenerates into another situation such as that of the Mulukas".
Indonesia's jihad (13/12/01) #2082
The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday, December 12, 2001
In the international environment, it is tempting to link Islamic extremism in
Afghanistan and the Middle East with the army of "jihad fighters" surrounding tens of
thousands of Christians in a grim stand-off on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi.
Jakarta says foreign terrorists involved in Sulawesi (13/12/01) #2081
REUTERS, Wednesday December 12, 2001 8:14 PM
By Muklis Ali
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia's intelligence chief said on Wednesday an
international terrorist group was involved in recent clashes between Muslims and
Christians in Poso on Sulawesi island. "Poso has become a ground for an
international terrorist (group) and a local radical group... a place that is so far from
control it has become a battleground for the two groups," A.M. Hendropriyono told
reporters.
Indonesian intelligence chief says al-Qaeda involved... (13/12/01) #2077
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Wednesday December 12, 2001 6:00 PM
JAKARTA, Dec 12 (AFP) - The head of the Indonesian intelligence agency, Abdullah
Hendropriyono, said Wednesday that international terrorist organisations including
al-Qaeda were involved in sectarian unrest in the province of Central Sulawesi.
Indonesian Official: Sulawesi Radicals Have Al-Qaida Link (13/12/01) #2076
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Wednesday December 12, 2001
JAKARTA, Dec. 12 (AP) -- Foreign terrorists, including Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida
network, are cooperating with domestic radicals on Indonesia's Sulawesi island which
has been wracked by fighting between Christians and Muslims, the country's
intelligence chief said Wednesday. Lt. Gen. Abdullah Hendropriyono told reporters
after meeting President Megawati Sukarnoputri that the foreigners were working with
local militant groups, responsible for much of the fighting.
Two killed in boat explosion in Malukus (12/12/01) #2075
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Tuesday December 11, 2001 1:52 PM
JAKARTA, Dec 11 (AFP) - At least two people were killed when a boat with 43 people
on board exploded in a bay off the island of Ambon in Indonesia's strife-torn Maluku
islands, the military said.
Ambon tense after boat explosion (12/12/01) #2074
The Jakarta Post, December 12, 2001
AMBON, Maluku (JP): The situation in Ambon, the provincial capital of Maluku, was
tense on Tuesday morning following an explosion onboard the California passenger
boat, which was in Ambon Bay sailing from Benteng seaport to Galala ferry port.
Muslim extremists threaten slaughter of Christians... (12/12/01) #2063
Baptist Press, December 10, 2001
By Mark Kelly
JAKARTA, Indonesia (BP)--Thousands of extremist Muslim fighters armed with
automatic weapons are attacking Christian villages in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi
province, burning churches and thousands of homes and sending residents fleeing.
Perhaps as many as 63,000 Christians were trapped in the predominantly Christian
city of Tentena late last week. One missionary in Indonesia reported fears the "jihad
warriors" would break through to Tentena and massacre the Christians who had taken
refuge there.
Indonesia to hold Central Sulawesi reconciliation meeting (12/12/01) #2062
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Tuesday December 11, 2001 5:46 PM
JAKARTA, Dec 11 (AFP) - Indonesian authorities are to hold a meeting to gather
representatives of the rival Muslim and Christian camps in the province of Central
Sulawesi, the scene of intermittent clashes since May last year, police said Tuesday.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 213 (11/12/01) #2061
Ambon, December 11, 2001
HARUKU: TWO CIVILIANS KILLED – On December 4, 2001, a resident of the village
of Aboru, island of Haruku, named Nelis Teterissa, was killed in the woods near the
hamlet of Nanave. The victim had been riddled by bullets from a standard rifle. A
woman, Martha Sinai-Saija, who witnessed the murder, was consequently killed as
well. The slaughter was reported to have been executed by six mysterious men.
BURU: VILLAGE OF EWIRI ATTACKED – After the devastating attack on Waimulang
on November 1, 2001, the southern part of the island of Buru again was the scene of a
disastrous attack on an unsuspecting village, this time it was the christian village of
Ewiri.
Indonesian Jihad leader says his fighters are... (11/12/01) #2060
ABC (10/12/01 22:51:12)
The chairman of Indonesia's Central Sulawesi branch of the Laskar Jihad say Islamic
militants involved in the bloody sectarian unrest there, are only defending their fellow
Muslims and are not on a mission to kill Christians.
Islamic militants 'not aiming to kill Christians' in Indonesia (11/12/01) #2059
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Monday December 10, 2001 1:14 PM
PALU, Indonesia, Dec 10 (AFP) - Islamic militants involved in the bloody sectarian
unrest in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi are only defending their fellow Muslims and are
not an a mission to kill Christians, a leader said. "We don't wish to kill anybody," said
Abu Umar, 27, chairman of the Central Sulawesi branch of the Laskar Jihad (holy war
force) -- an Islamic militant group that has sent hundreds of men to the province amid
a rise in fighting between Christians and Muslims.
Amid carnage, happiness is a warm gun (11/12/01) #2058
The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday, December 10, 2001
By Chris McCall in the Napu Valley, Central Sulawesi
Rusty and crude, his beloved hand-made gun would be just junk metal if it were not so
deadly. Hidden away amid a refugee's few possessions, this tangle of metal bits and
pieces is a secret treasure, kept permanently loaded and ready to kill with. He sleeps
beside it. The 24-year-old Christian owner does not want his name published, or his
picture taken with his gun, even with his face covered. The Muslim jihad forces know
him and may come and get him, he explains. That is, if the police do not arrest him
first.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 53 (10/12/01) #2055
30 Nov. - 07 Dec. 2001
MALUKU * There are rumours that about 150 Laskar Jihad fighters were scheduled to
land in Wamala village and attack Leksula town, South Buru sub-district. Women and
children have moved to safer grounds in the mountains and to Ambon. The TNI has
deployed an additional 60 personnel to Leksula.
NORTH MALUKU * According to Koran Ternate newspaper, 200 Christian families
displaced from North Maluku to North Sulawesi chose not to return and transmigrated
to Modoinding and Pandu villages, in North Sulawesi. The Vice Governor of North
Sulawesi, Freddie Sualang, said there were still some 17,000 IDPs in the province.
Those from Halmahera will be assisted to return gradually and those from Tidore and
Ternate towns will be assisted to return home after Muslims displaced from
Halmahera vacate their houses, which they are occupying.
CENTRAL SULAWESI * North Lore sub-district and Tentena town are reported to be
the main destinations of the Christians fleeing the villages that were attacked last
week. Preliminary reports from the field indicate that some 8,500 people have fled to
North Lore and 200 families have gone to Tentena. Many people are reported to be
hiding in the woods. According to some press reports, 11 churches, schools and
dozens of houses were burnt during the violence. Sixteen people including two
soldiers were killed and 4 others injured. The BBC reported, quoting an unnamed
police source, that the police is holding 2 Afghans, 2 Pakistanis and 2 Arabs believed
to have trained the Muslim fighters responsible for the recent attack on 7 Christian
villages around Tentena.
Indonesian Muslims move on Christian city (10/12/01) #2051
ABC (8/12/01 5:15:50)
About a thousand members of a Muslim paramilitary group have approached the
mainly Christian town of Tentena in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province. The
members of the Laskar Jihad force are reportedly planning to attack the town.
Muslim group moves on Christian city in Indonesia,... (10/12/01) #2049
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Friday December 7, 2001 3:20 PM
JAKARTA, Dec 7 (AFP) - Some 1,000 Muslims have approached the mainly Christian
town of Tentena in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province and plan to attack it, church
officials said Friday. Scouts said they had seen members of the Laskar Jihad (Jihad
Force) entering a forest in Tojo district, 70 kilometers (43 miles) east of Tentena, late
Thursday, a Christian activist in the lakeside town said.
Christians flee Muslim militants in Sulawesi unrest (10/12/01) #2048
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Sunday December 9, 2001 11:44 AM
Christian refugees trekked for two days through mountain forest to escape advancing
Muslim warriors armed with bombs and rifles, a Christian leader in a riot-torn district in
Indonesia's Central Sulawesi said.
Indonesian Christians Flee Muslims (10/12/01) #2047
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Friday December 7, 2001 8:19 AM ET
By DESSIANING SRI ARYANTI, Associated Press Writer
SANGGINRA, Indonesia (AP) - Thousands of Christians were hiding in jungle-clad
mountains on Indonesia's Sulawesi island Friday after their villages were attacked and
razed by Muslim militias.
MASSACRE BEGINS IN CENTRAL SULAWESI (07/12/01) #2040
Jubilee Campaign USA, Decmber 4, 2001
Decmber 4, 2001
Dear Friend,
I'm in Jakarta as I write this, and it's MIDNIGHT Saturday night (in Tentena it's 1.00
am Sunday morning). I have just been on the phone with Tentena. The village of Sepe,
one of the last Christian strongholds has fallen and is being looted, destroyed and
burned to the ground by the jihad terrorists, even as I type and the village of Silanca is
under attack. Reports from the fleeing villagers state that military units have joined in
with the jihad terrorists in attacking the villages and the fleeing villagers who fled to the
military barracks in Kawua are being turned away by the military even as I type this
email.
Troops, aid arrive in Indonesia's restive Central Sulawesi (07/12/01) #2039
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Thursday December 6, 2001 2:02 PM
PALU, Indonesia, Dec 6 (AFP) - Troop reinforcements arrived Thursday in Indonesia's
Central Sulawesi province after the government promised a security crackdown to end
bloody violence between Christians and Muslims.
Indonesia troops accused in troubled eastern town (07/12/01) #2038
REUTERS, Thursday December 6, 2001 8:42 PM
By Achmad Sukarsono
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesian soldiers have been accused of abducting Muslim
men in the eastern town of Poso, raising tension during a ministerial visit to the area
where Muslim-Christian fights have killed thousands since late 1998.
Indonesians petition against religious extremism (07/12/01) #2037
REUTERS, Thursday December 6, 2001 7:48 PM
JAKARTA (Reuters) - Around 10,000 Indonesians have signed a petition aiming to
show the world that most people in the giant Muslim country are against religious
extremism, an organiser of the campaign said on Thursday.
Indonesia Mulls Emergency Declaration In Conflict Zone (06/12/01) #2036
CNSNews, December 05, 2001
By Patrick Goodenough, Pacific Rim Bureau Chief
Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) - Indonesia's central government is considering
imposing a state of emergency in the eastern Sulawesi region, amid fears that the
weeks leading up to major Islamic and Christian holidays could see renewed attacks
on Christians by newly-arrived Muslim militants.
Indonesian Christians Fear Renewed Jihad (06/12/01) #2035
CNSNews, December 03, 2001
By Patrick Goodenough, Pacific Rim Bureau Chief
Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) - Christians in Indonesia's Sulawesi island fear
for their lives at the hands of Islamic militants, some of whom support al-Qaeda. The
militants have identified the area as the next target in their anti-Christian jihad, and
they are threatening a "bloody Christmas."
POSSO REPORT no. 2 (06/12/01) #2034
By e-mail we meanwhile received a lot of information --both in English and
Indonesian-- about the alarming situation in de Posso area. Those who are interested
in the unrest there, may try and get in contact with:
RIGHTS-INDONESIA: JAKARTA CORNERED BY POOR... (06/12/01) #2033
Global Information Network, December 3, 2001
By Mustafa Ali
YOGJAKARTA, Indonesia, Dec. 3 (IPS) -- Indonesia's list of unresolved cases of
alleged violations of human rights continues to get longer, a situation that recently
caught the critical eye of the U.N. Committee against Torture.
A Call for (No) Respect for the Month of Ramadhan (06/12/01) #2032
Jubilee Campaign USA
The Muslim community in Indonesia and throughout the world, including in America,
called for America to halt the bombing of the Taliban during the fasting month of
Ramadhan. The month of Ramadhan is supposed to be a time for peace and deep
reflection with Allah. Yet the citizens of Indonesia face a very different reality when it
comes to Ramadhan year after year. Despite the fact that there are many Muslims
who truly want to celebrate Ramadhan peacefully, Ramadhan in Indonesia is also
used as a time to terrorize people.
Muslims poised to attack Sulawesi Christians (05/12/01) #2031
ABC (4/12/01 12:37:50)
Indonesia plans to send two and a half thousand troops and police to the island of
Sulawesi where there are fears of renewed fighting between Muslims and Christians.
Mark Bowling reports the United Nations and church officials claim thousands of
heavily armed Muslim fighters are preparing to attack more than 60 thousand
Christian villagers:
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 212 (05/12/01) #2029
Sending out e-mails is becoming more and more difficult. The only place in Ambon to
receive and send e-mails now is the Ambon post-office… if one of both computers with
MS Word is free, if there is electricity and if connection can be established. *
PROVOCATEURS’ ACTIVITIES – The town mayor, Drs. M.J.Papilaya, warns the
citizens not to let themselves be misguided or provoked by various rumours asserting
that towards the IdulFitri, Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, new violence is
imminent. He requests anybody that happens to learn about these rumours, to check
on their source and report to the security forces accordingly.
POSSO REPORT no. 1 (05/12/01) #2028
The town of Posso lies in Central Celebes, East Indonesia. During the last few years
on several occasions there was religious strife in that region causing a lot of
casualties and physical destruction. The town of Posso itself has been "cleansed" of
christians since then. Posso is part of the Diocese of Manado (North Celebes), led by
Bishop Jos Suwatan MSC. The Bishop asked us to inform the readers of our
Moluccas Reports on what has been happening there recently. We apologize to those
who might not directly be interested in these reports.
Fear grips troubled Central Sulawesi... (05/12/01) #2027
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Tuesday December 4, 2001 1:19 PM
Tens of thousands of people in a mainly Christian district of Indonesia's Central
Sulawesi province are living in fear after renewed clashes between Muslims and
Christians in which whole villages were destroyed.
Tension mounting in Poso ahead of holidays (05/12/01) #2026
The Jakarta Post, December 04, 2001
Badri Djawara, The Jakarta Post, Palu
Tens of thousands of people in Poso, Central Sulawesi were gripped with fresh fears
of sectarian battles ahead of Idul Fitri and Christmas as armed Muslim and Christian
groups embarked on wave after wave of uncontrolled attacks that have claimed
hundreds of lives in recent weeks.
Govt ready to impose state of emergency in Poso town (05/12/01) #2025
The Jakarta Post, December 04, 2001
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja and Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Security authorities look set to impose a state of emergency in Poso, Central
Sulawesi, to end the raging sectarian conflict which claimed over 2,000 lives over the
past year alone. "I will visit Poso on Tuesday to assess the situation and determine
whether the government needs to declare a military or civil emergency. After coming
back from Poso, we will recommend to the President how to restore peace in the
province," Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono told reporters after meeting with President Megawati Soekarnoputri on
Monday.
Afghan fighters 'seen' in Sulawesi (05/12/01) #2024
BBC World News, Tuesday, 4 December, 2001, 16:08 GMT
Afghans and other foreigners are engaged in battle alongside the Muslim militia
fighting Christians in the Sulawesi region of Indonesia, according to a police source.
Sulawesi braced for more violence (05/12/01) #2023
BBC World News, Tuesday, 4 December, 2001, 08:18 GMT
Indonesia is considering imposing a state of emergency on parts of Sulawesi island
where thousands of people have fled their homes amid religious violence, the top
security minister has said.
Fresh communal violence grips east Indonesian town (05/12/01) #2022
REUTERS, Tuesday December 4, 2001 8:53 PM
By Achmad Sukarsono
JAKARTA (Reuters) - A wave of Muslim-Christian violence has hit the Indonesian town
of Poso on eastern Sulawesi island, after months of uneasy calm in the coastal area
where communal clashes first broke out three years ago.
Tentena braces for final onslaught (04/12/01) #2020
December 2, 2001
Dear Friend,
From Jeff Hammond, I'm in Jakarta as I write this, and it's 11.15pm Saturday night (in
Tentena it's 12.15am Sunday morning). I have just been on the phone with Tentena.
The village of Sepe, one of the last Christian strongholds has fallen and is being
looted, destroyed and burned to the ground by the jihad terrorists, even as I type.
MASSACRE BEGINS IN CENTRAL SULAWESI!! (04/12/01) #2019
I'm in Jakarta as I write this, and it's MIDNIGHT Saturday night (in Tentena it's 1.00
am Sunday morning). I have just been on the phone with Tentena. The village of Sepe,
one of the last Christian strongholds has fallen and is being looted, destroyed and
burned to the ground by the jihad terrorists, even as I type and the village of Silanca is
under attack. Reports from the fleeing villagers state that military units have joined in
with the jihad terrorists in attacking the villages and the fleeing villagers who fled to the
military barracks in Kawua are being turned away by the military even as I type this
email.
Attacks on Christian villages force 13,000 to flee... (04/12/01) #2018
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Monday December 3, 2001 12:42 PM
JAKARTA, Dec 3 (AFP) - Armed Muslim groups have burnt down six Christian villages
in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province and forced some 13,000 people to flee, a
church official said Monday.
Sulawesi island tense amid religious fighting,... (04/12/01) #2017
The Star [Malaysia], Monday, December 03, 2001
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Soldiers patrolled towns and villages on Indonesia's
Sulawesi island Monday, as thousands of people fled their homes after a week of
fighting between Muslims and Christians.
Indonesia: Laskar Jihad Call for [No] Respect for Ramadhan (03/12/01) #2015
November 30, 2001
Jubilee Campaign - http://www.jubileecampaign.org/
The Muslim community in Indonesia and throughout the world, including in America,
called for America to halt the bombing of the Taliban during the fasting month of
Ramadhan. The month of Ramadhan is supposed to be a time for peace and deep
reflection with Allah. Yet the citizens of Indonesia face a very different reality when it
comes to Ramadhan year after year. Despite the fact that there are many Muslims
who truly want to celebrate Ramadhan peacefully, Ramadhan in Indonesia is also
used as a time to terrorize people.
Laskar Jihad takes over 5 villages... (03/12/01) #2014
Posted on: November 30, 2001 02:58:56 PM GMT
Thursday, November 29, 2001
Poso, INDONESIA - Wednesday, after 13 hours of assault by attackers equipped
with heavy weapons, Laskar Jihad took over five villages near Poso, Central Sulawesi:
Betalemba, Patibunga, Tangkura, Pantangolemba, and Menjeng. Christians in Poso,
with little defensive hardware, have to face deadly assaults launched by Laskar Jihad
day after day. And with no decisive action from the Indonesian security forces, both
military and police, Christians in Poso are facing a serious threat of death every day.
Indonesia News Update (03/12/01) #2013
Posted on: November 30, 2001 09:08:05 PM GMT
Tuesday, November 27, 2001
INDONESIA - In the first terrorist trial of the September 11 tragedy, the defense
attorney, Greg English, declined to represent his Indonesian client, Agus Budiman, for
the simple patriotic reason that he could not bring his conscience to defend someone
believed to have committed terrorism against his country. Based on several reports,
Budiman had known Mohammad Atta, the terrorist ringleader of the September 11
attacks, since the time that they were both in Hamburg, Germany. Budiman is
charged with illegal immigration status and providing false ID for Mohammad Atta.
Indonesian police arrest some 100 Muslims (03/12/01) #2012
ABC (3/12/01 6:10:24)
Police in Indonesia have arrested 102 members of a Muslim militant group and seized
scores of weapons, including bombs and firearms.
Thousands of Christians flee homes on Sulawesi island (03/12/01) #2011
ABC (1/12/01 23:51:01)
Thousands of Christian villagers on Indonesia's Sulawesi island are reportedly fleeing
attacks by Muslim paramilitaries armed with machine guns and rocket launchers.
Profiting from violence in eastern Indonesia (03/12/01) #2009
The Jakarta Post, December 03, 2001
Santi W.E. Soekanto, Contributor, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The deaths of at least five Muslims and three Christians in the Central Sulawesi
district of Poso on Tuesday were absolutely needless and abhorrent, but probably
came as no surprise to some people. Chief political minister Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono has in fact warned of an impending, even deadlier violence in Poso and
areas of Maluku in the coming days.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 211 (03/12/01) #2008
STANCE OF THE CHURCHES – On November 16 a press conference was held at
the Synod Office of the GPM (Moluccan Protestant Church) on the statement that
was issued by the 15 christian churches and denominations, based on their recent
meeting. We summarize the contents of this statement as follows.
INFORMASI TRAGEDI WAEMULANG (03/12/01) #2007
Ambon, 30-11-'01 / 01:31
Tim AKRAB Report
Bahwa ketika masyarakat Maluku pada umumnya baru saja menikmati kondisi collin
down selama kurang lebih 3 bulan, kini Desa Waemulang, yang adalah salah satu
desa di Kecamatan Buru Selatan, Kabupaten Pulau Buru kini dikagetkan dengan
penyerangan yang dilakukan oleh sejumlah Perusuh.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 52 (03/12/01) #2006
23 - 30 November 2001
MALUKU * There was a notable reduction of tension in the overall security situation in
Ambon and elsewhere in Maluku. The new barricades set up by the Christians on
roads in the city were removed soon after the end of the 3-day mourning period called
by the Christians last week.
NORTH MALUKU * A WHO and OCHA team (comprising national medical officers,
psychologists, and psychiatrists) carried out a field survey during a one-week mission
to Bacan, Kao, Malifut and Tobelo, to test a Rapid Mental Health Assessment Tool.
This tool was developed internationally to better understand the mental condition and
needs of communities and people affected by conflict. WHO will make the report
available for use by any interested organisation.
CENTRAL SULAWESI * Fighting between Muslims and Christians reportedly killed
seven people and destroyed hundreds of houses this week. Complete and unbiased
reports from the area are difficult to get, but local sources reported the following:
Gunmen trigger chaos in Maluku (03/12/01) #2004
The Jakarta Post, December 03, 2001
After weeks of tense calm, strife-torn Maluku was rocked by a series of gunfights and
shootings initiated by armed rioters, an official said Sunday. Civil emergency
spokesman Maj. Marthen Luther Djari confirmed that at least two shooting incidents
broke out on Sunday.
Conflicts worsen despite troop deployments (03/12/01) #2003
The Jakarta Post, December 03, 2001
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The deployment of 50,000 troops in restive areas has largely failed to restore order
because elements in both the government and the military have vested interests in
keeping the conflicts alive, observers said Saturday.
50,000 Christians driven from homes on Indonesian... (03/12/01) #1999
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Saturday December 1, 2001 9:53 PM
ROME, Dec 1 (AFP) - Muslim paramilitary groups have driven more than 50,000
Christian villagers from their homes on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi, a local
Catholic bishop said in a report from the island published by the Vatican's Fides news
agency Saturday.
Two killed in new Muslim-Christian clashes... (03/12/01) #1998
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Friday November 30, 2001 1:06 PM
JAKARTA, Nov 30 (AFP) - Two people have been killed and about 300 homes set
ablaze in the latest clashes between Muslims and Christians in Indonesia's Central
Sulawesi province, police said Friday. The violence broke out Thursday in the mainly
Christian village of Tangkura in the district of Poso, local policeman Agus Saleh told
AFP.
Thousands of Indonesia Christians Flee (03/12/01) #1997
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Saturday December 1, 2001 7:44 AM ET
By SLOBODAN LEKIC, Associated Press Writer
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Thousands of Christian villagers on Indonesia's Sulawesi
island are fleeing attacks by armed Muslim paramilitaries, clerics and media reports
said Saturday.
Indonesia Religious Violence Continues (03/12/01) #1996
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Sunday December 2, 2001 8:21 AM ET
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) - Dozens of houses were torched and four soldiers were
shot on Sunday in fresh fighting between Muslims and Christians on Indonesia's
Sulawesi Island, witnesses and hospital officials said. The clashes cap a week of
sectarian violence on the island that has killed at least seven people and caused
thousands to flee their homes.
Christians On Sulawesi Attacked By Muslim Militia: Reports (03/12/01) #1995
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Friday November 30, 2001
JAKARTA, Nov. 30 (AP) -- Thousands of Christian villagers on Indonesia's Sulawesi
island are fleeing attacks by Muslim paramilitaries armed with machine guns and
rocket launchers, clerics and media reports said Saturday.
Fresh Poso conflict claims two lives (30/11/01) #1993
The Jakarta Post, November 30, 2001
Badri Djawara, The Jakarta Post, Poso
A new clash erupted in Tangkura village, Poso regency in Central Sulawesi, leaving
two more people dead and hundreds of houses burned in Muslim-Christian fighting.
The violent clashes occurred during a visit by Provincial Police Chief Brig. Gen. Zainal
Abidin to halt the prolonged sectarian conflict in the war-torn regency.
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