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THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 229 (31/01/02) #2306
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 31, 2002
NO CLUE TO SOURCE OF BOMBING – Barely had Cabinet Minister for Political and
Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhyono c.s. left Ambon last Saturday, January
26, when – around midnight – there were frightening sounds of bombs and mortars
being launched, mostly in the Muslim dominated areas of Air Kuning, Kebun
Cengkeh, Ahuru and Galunggung. Up to now it is not clear who in fact were the actors
of this performance, which – by the way – does not seem to have caused any
casualties or major physical damage. “Manado Post” daily sees a possible link with
the Malino agreement on Poso: Is it that the laskar jihad, being frustrated, now might
want to prevent any such reconciliation to be effectuated in the Moluccas as well?
Laskar Jihad members face trials (31/01/02) #2305
The Jakarta Post, 31 Jan. 2002
SURABAYA: Surabaya police have completed investigations into 45 extremist Muslim
activists charged with launching violent raids on gambling dens in the East Java town
of Ngawi.
3 years of bloody Maluku conflicts leave nothing but disaster (31/01/02) #2304
The Jakarta Post, January 31, 2002, Special
Edith Hartanto and Oktavianus Pinontoan
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Ambon
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Three years ago, a petty dispute between a local and two
migrants in the Ambon capital of Maluku degenerated into a full-scale sectarian riot
which up to this year has killed 9,000 people and forced more than 500,000 people
out of their homes.
Ind to host talks to end Muslim-Christian fighting in Malukus (31/01/02) #2303
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Tuesday January 29, 2002 4:39 PM
JAKARTA, Jan 29 (AFP) - The Indonesian government will host talks next week
between Muslim and Christian leaders to try to end three years of sectarian violence
in the Maluku eastern island chain in which some 5,000 have died, it was announced
Tuesday.
Maluku warring groups set for talks next week (31/01/02) #2302
The Jakarta Post, 31 Jan. 2002
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Government negotiators met separately with
Muslim and Christian leaders on Wednesday in the South Sulawesi capital of
Makassar as part of efforts to end years of sectarian fighting in the Maluku islands,
which has leftsome 6,000 people dead.
Duma's Christians died defending their most sacred site (31/01/02) #2299
South China Morning Post, Wednesday, January 30, 2002
CHRIS McCALL in Halmahera, North Maluku
More than a year after their final stand, the Christians of Duma still lie in shallow
graves dotted around the village. When defeat finally came after 21 attacks, there was
too little time for proper funerals. The dead were lucky if their bodies were moved to
makeshift graves before survivors were trucked to safety by security forces. Now they
live an hour's drive to the south - many of them widows - in rough wooden shelters
they built themselves.
Muslim militants cast shadow over Indonesia (30/01/02) #2298
REUTERS, Monday January 28, 2002 9:49 AM
By Dean Yates
YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia (Reuters) - Ridwan Zaki is only 14 but has already seen
plenty of action fighting Christians in Indonesia's eastern Ambon city. While Zaki is
not sure he killed any with his homemade gun, he is ready to return to the conflict if
his teachers at a small religious school in central Java run by Laskar Jihad,
Indonesia's best known militant Muslim group, give the command.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 228 (29/01/02) #2297
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 29, 2002
DEALING WITH THE CONFLICT – Before leaving for Jakarta on Sunday, January 27,
Cabinet Minister for People’s Welfare Yusuf Kalla (who had not left for Ternate the
day before) was seen on TV declaring that a meeting on solving the conflict in the
Moluccas was to take place within short. It is scheduled (“Insya Allah” – If it is
God’s Will) to be held in the Makassar area, South Sulawesi, next February 6-7.
From each of the opposing parties 25 representative members will be invited to
participate in this meeting, which will also be witnessed by a delegation of the
National MUI (Musyawarah Umat Islam) and the PGI (Persekutuan Gereja-Gereja
Kristen Indonesia = National Assembly of Christian Churches in Indonesia).
Bin Laden image spurs faithful in troubled islands (29/01/02) #2295
South China Morning Post, Monday, January 28, 2002
CHRIS MCCALL in Ternate, North Maluku, Indonesia
Osama bin Laden's snow-white turban and robes melt into the clouds against a yellow
sky, ablaze with the finest colours oil painting can depict. The painter is clearly
talented, but he has gone now and the "canvas" is unusual.
Violence greets Indonesia peace tour (29/01/02) #2294
CNN, January 28, 2002 Posted: 3:04 PM HKT (0704 GMT)
January 28, 2002 Posted: 3:04 PM HKT (0704 GMT)
JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Explosions and gunfire in the Indonesian city of Ambon
was the only response to follow a visit by a government minister to evaluate peace
efforts between Christians and Muslims.
Meeting delegation members with... (29/01/02) #2292
Info Maluku, Sunday, 27 January 2002
After two closed meetings with moslem leaders and leaders from the christian
community in Ambon, Saturday (26/01) Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare,
Yusuf Kalla, said money is no crucial problem for the government in settling the
Maluku conflict. The most important thing is that the people of both communities will
sit together in order to discuss possible solutions of the Maluku conflict; the
governement will take care of the money, Kalla said.
Blasts rock Ambon after ministers leave (28/01/02) #2286
The Jakarta Post, January 28, 2002
Oktovianus Pinantoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
Bomb blasts and gunfire rang out in the eastern city of Ambon in the volatile Maluku
Islands on Saturday, just hours after two senior ministers left to negotiate with leaders
of warring gangs there as part of the government's peace plan. The blasts and
gunshots were heard on Saturday night and early Sunday in several areas, including
Kebon Cengkeh, Karang Panjang, Batumerah, and Mardika.
Blasts, gunshots heard in riot-hit Indonesian city (28/01/02) #2285
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Sunday January 27, 2002 1:01 PM
JAKARTA, Jan 27 (AFP) - Blasts and gunshots rang in the riot-torn eastern
Indonesian city of Ambon, a few hours after two government ministers visited it to
assess peace efforts, a report said Sunday.
Govt yet to decide on civil emergency in North Maluku (28/01/02) #2282
The Jakarta Post, 28th Jan. 2001
JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono said on Sunday that the government had yet to decide whether
to lift or maintain the state of civil emergency, currently imposed in North Maluku,
despite improvements in the province.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 227 (28/01/02) #2281
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 27, 2002
VISIT TO THE NORTH MOLUCCAS – In the afternoon of Saturday January 26, both
Ministers, the military and police Chiefs and their accompanying government officials
left for Ternate, capital of the North Moluccas, which lies about five hundred kilometers
North of Ambon.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 226 (28/01/02) #2280
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 26, 2002
VISIT STATE MINISTERS – Some Cabinet Ministers and chief security officers arrivid
in Ambon yesterday, January 25, 2001. The group consisted of Coordinating Minister
for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhyono, Coordinating Minister for
People’s Welfare Yusuf Kalla, Indonesian Military Chief of General Affairs
Lt.Gen.Djamari Chaniago, National Police Chief Gen. Da’i Achtiar and some
government officials.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 60 (28/01/02) #2279
18 - 25 January 2002
MALUKU * One Muslim male was found dead on 18 January in a river in the city
apparently from injuries inflicted by a Christian gang. The provincial Government has
been busy preparing for the Central Government's ministerial delegation to Ambon
scheduled to take place on 25-26 January. The team will include the Coordinating
Ministers for Political and Security Affairs, Investment and the Economy and People's
Welfare. They will meet with Muslim and Christian leaders, local politicians, military
and police commanders and will visit the IDP camp in the Halong Naval Base in
Ambon.
NORTH MALUKU * According to a senior security official in Ternate, seven
passengers (believed to belong to an Islamic organisation), coming from North
Sulawesi were deported on Tuesday (22 Jan.) due to lack of clarity concerning the
purpose of their visit to Ternate.
Ministers assess conflict in Maluku (28/01/02) #2277
The Jakarta Post, January 26, 2002
The Jakarta Post, Ambon
The people of Maluku, frustrated by the prolonged Muslim-Christian conflict that has
claimed more than 6,000 lives, greeted Coordinating Minister for Political and Security
Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his entourage with hopes that the government
would take the necessary measures to end the conflict and help rehabilitate the
damaged infrastructure.
Top security minister visits Malukus to try to end bloodshed (28/01/02) #2276
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Friday January 25, 2002 4:34 PM
JAKARTA, Jan 25 (AFP) - Indonesia's top security minister left Friday for the Maluku
islands, the scene of years of Christian-Muslim fighting in which thousands have died,
and said he would try to bring peace in six months.
Alleged al-Qaeda-linked network in Central Java (28/01/02) #2275
The Jakarta Post, January 26, 2002
Yogita Tahil Ramani and Kartika Bagus C.
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Surakarta
Several members of an Indonesian Islamic militant group with reported ties to the
al-Qaeda network, Jemaah Islamiya (JI), have been spotted in Sragen, some 20
kilometers east of Surakarta, in Central Java, authorities said.
Suspected Terrorist Leader Is Questioned in Indonesia (28/01/02) #2274
Los Angeles Times, January 25, 2002
By SARI SUDARSONO and RICHARD C. PADDOCK, SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- A Muslim cleric accused of heading a Southeast Asian
terrorist network was called in to police headquarters here Thursday to explain his
activities and used the occasion to applaud Osama bin Laden.
Laskar Jihad Denies Training Papua Militia (25/01/02) #2272
Laksamana.Net, January 23, 2002 06:59 PM
January 23, 2002 06:59 PM
Laksamana.Net - The militant Laskar Jihad organization has strongly denied reports
that it is training a pro-government militia group in Papua province. Laskar Jihad
spokesman Ayib Syafruddin says the human rights group that made the accusation is
seeking to stir up inter-ethnic tensions and receive foreign funding.
Qaeda Moving Into Indonesia, Officials Fear (25/01/02) #2270
THE NEW YORK TIMES, Wednesday, January 23, 2002
By RAYMOND BONNER and JANE PERLEZ
So far most of the focus has been on a group called Laskar Jihad, the most visible
and violent of the radical Muslim organizations. Founded in early 2000 in Central Java,
the group has an avowed agenda of wiping out Christians in the Moluccas and central
Sulawesi, and establishing an Islamic state. It has a well- designed Web site, which
an American official noted is similar to those of the Chechnyan rebels and several
radical Islamic groups in the Middle East, one suggestion that Laskar Jihad receives
help from outsiders.
Al-Qaida Planned Indonesia Attack (25/01/02) #2269
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Wednesday January 23, 2002 2:06 PM ET
By SLOBODAN LEKIC, Associated Press Writer
The matter has been further complicated by Megawati's hands-off policy toward the
military. This has allowed the generals to retain links with domestic radicals, in
particular the Laskar Jihad militia which is blamed for thousands of deaths in a war
with Christians in Maluku province.
1,400 soldiers sent to Aceh, Maluku (24/01/02) #2268
The Jakarta Post, January 24, 2002
CIREBON, West Java: Maj. Gen. Dharsono, chief of the Siliwangi Military Command
overseeing West Java said on Tuesday he would send 1,400 personnel for rotation
duties in restive Aceh and Maluku. "The planned dispatch of two combat battalions is
based on an order from the Indonesian Military commander," he said here on
Tuesday.
Laskar Jihad differs with al-Qaeda (24/01/02) #2267
The Jakarta Post, January 24, 2002
Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta
Laskar Jihad, or the Jihad Force of the Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah Communication
Forum to give it its full name, has claimed that it supports any government efforts to
clamp down on the global al-Qaeda terrorist organization of Osama bin Laden. It
argued that al-Qaeda terrorists had practiced bid'ah, something not recognized in
Islamic teaching, by adopting terrorism as a means of achieving their goals. Laskar
Jihad commander Ja'far Umar Thalib asserted that his organization could not accept
the principles of and the way in which al-Qaeda operated and, therefore, it could not
be in any way linked with the group.
Conflict among security forces hinders peace in Malukus... (24/01/02) #2265
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Wednesday January 23, 1:26 PM
JAKARTA, Jan 23 (AFP)
Conflicts between police and troops have hindered efforts at reconciliation between
warring Muslims and Christians in Indonesia's Maluku islands, a report said
Wednesday.
Islamic warriors 'sent to fight in Papua' (24/01/02) #2263
South China Morning Post, Wednesday, January 23, 2002
VAUDINE ENGLAND in Jakarta
The militant Muslim group Laskar Jihad has sent at least 100 of its Islamic warriors to
Papua to join a Jakarta-backed militia to fight against Papuan independence, a human
rights group claims.
Security forces an obstacle to peace in Maluku: Mayor (23/01/02) #2262
The Jakarta Post, January 23, 2002
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Besides the absence of a serious commitment from the central government, the
disharmony among security personnel, especially between the local military and
police in the provincial capital of Maluku, has obstructed the reconciliation process in
the conflict-ridden province, says Ambon Mayor Yopie Max Papilaya.
Muslim militants training Papua militia: rights group (23/01/02) #2258
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Tuesday January 22, 5:56 PM
JAKARTA, Jan 22 (AFP) -
Muslim militants from Indonesia's riot-torn Maluku islands have moved to Papua to
train pro-Jakarta militiamen confronting Christian separatist guerrillas there, a human
rights group said Tuesday.
Radical Muslim group blames IMF and US (23/01/02) #2257
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Tuesday January 22, 1:41 PM
JAKARTA, Jan 22 (AFP) -
Some 300 members of a radical Muslim group on Tuesday staged a protest outside
the US embassy, accusing the United States and the IMF of aggravating the
Indonesian economic crisis.
Indonesian suspect key link to al-Qaeda... (23/01/02) #2256
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Tuesday January 22, 8:05 PM
MANILA, Jan 22 (AFP) -
A suspected Indonesian terrorist arrested here last week is believed to be the main
recruiter of Filipino members for Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda network, an army
spokesman said Tuesday.
Muslim infiltrators 'training Papuan militia' (22/01/02) #2254
The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday, January 22, 2002
By Lindsay Murdoch Herald Correspondent, Jakarta
A militant Muslim group blamed for killing hundreds of Christians in the Maluku
islands has infiltrated the Indonesian province of Papua, where its fighters are training
pro-Jakarta militia, human rights activists claim. The group, Laskar Jihad, had sent
more than 100 of its armed fighters into the Papua district of Fak Fak, and was
operating military training camps there, said a spokesman for the human rights group
ELSHAM, based in the Papuan capital, Jayapura.
PATHETIC DIN SYAMSUDDIN (22/01/02) #2252
What is Din Syamsuddin? Is he rally a religious leader as it may sound? Or he is just
a wicked politician in a religious robe? He is the Secretary General of MUI. What is
MUI? A top-hierarchy religious council? Of course, the Ayinomoto Company would not
agree with that. So, lets find out what they really are. Take the above title as an
assumption for a start.
Indonesian militants a law unto themselves (22/01/02) #2248
Asia Times (atimes.com), January 19, 2002
By Richel Langit
JAKARTA - The government loathes them and Muslim leaders detest them. But
Indonesia's Muslim fundamentalist groups, some of which are believed to have links
with the international terrorist network Al-Qaeda, have remained untouchable.
Is there an Al-Qaeda connection in Indonesia? (22/01/02) #2246
THE STRAITS TIMES, Sunday, January 20, 2002
Recent arrests of Islamic extremists in Singapore and Malaysia have raised the
worrying spectre of Indonesia becoming a regional centre for Osama bin Laden's
Al-Qaeda terrorist network. Indonesia correspondent DERWIN PEREIRA probes the
extent of links between the militant groups.
Civil emergency fails to promote peace in Maluku (21/01/02) #2244
The Jakarta Post, January 21, 2002
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The imposition of civil emergency in restive Maluku and North Maluku has failed to
promote peace and reconciliation between warring groups in the two provinces,
non-governmental organizations (NGOs) said on Saturday, urging the government to
immediately lift the policy.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 59 (21/01/02) #2243
11 - 18 January 2002
Maluku * On 13 January, the Christian village of Rutong in the Ambon mayoralty was
attacked by about 60-armed men. The residents and Brimob personnel stationed in
the nearby Hutumury and Leahari villages mounted a defence of the village. One
attacker was killed and four others were injured. There were no causalities from the
village. Additional security forces have now been deployed in the village.
North Maluku * MDM distributed emergency and traditional birth attendant's kits, a
microscope and other equipment to health centres in Sahu during 11 - 17 January.
Health staff were trained on how to use this equipment. In Ibu and Sahu sub-districts
the NGO distributed hygiene kits and conducted a brief course on how to take care of
newly born babies.
Moluccas: Report on internally displaced people (21/01/02) #2241
JRS in the Moluccas set up a project in Buru island late last year. The team reports:
"The situation in the Moluccan island of Buru remains tense even though there were
no recent violent incidents in the past weeks. People are always prepared to flee each
time there are rumours of an attack. Displaced people feel helpless.
Philippines Arrests Indonesian With al-Qaida Links (21/01/02) #2238
ASSOCIATED PRESS, Friday January 18, 2002
MANILA, Jan. 18 (AP) -- The Philippines said Friday it has arrested an Indonesian
man who is allegedly part of a group linked to the al-Qaida terror network and is linked
to an explosives stockpile discovered in a southern Philippine city, the government
said Friday.
Investors Flee Lawless Indonesia (21/01/02) #2237
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Friday January 18, 2002 5:21 AM ET
By SLOBODAN LEKIC, Associated Press Writer
PELABUHAN RATU, Indonesia (AP) - For nearly two years Ronald De Cost has been
laying the foundations of a seaside resort in this poor fishing village south of Jakarta.
But every time the Canadian businessman pours concrete, thugs rip it up.
High-powered delegation to assess Maluku conflict (18/01/02) #2232
The Jakarta Post, January 18, 2002
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
A high-powered ministerial, military and police delegation is scheduled to visit Maluku
next week to seek an end to the prolonged sectarian violence plaguing the province.
Included on the three-day peace mission from Jan. 21 are Coordinating Minister for
Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Coordinating Minister for
Investment and Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro Djakti and Coordinating Minister for
People's Welfare Jusuf Kalla.
Megawati, TNI urged to withdraw military from Maluku... (18/01/02) #2231
The Jakarta Post, January 17, 2002
Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Lawyers from Maluku and North Maluku are urging President Megawati Soekarnoputri
and the Indonesian Military (TNI) to immediately withdraw military personnel from the
two conflict-torn provinces to aid reconciliation between the warring parties there.
"Communal clashes have long stopped in Maluku and the military presence in the
province has only triggered and worsened the conflict there," the coordinator of
lawyers in Maluku, Munir Kairotty, told The Jakarta Post here on Wednesday.
Indonesia making no serious effort to stop rights abuses (18/01/02) #2226
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Thursday January 17, 2002 7:31 PM
NEW YORK, Jan 17 (AFP) - The Indonesian government failed to address human
rights violations last year and the situation in the separatist province of Aceh
worsened sharply, Human Rights Watch said.
Beware the Jihad in Southeast Asia (18/01/02) #2225
Asian Wall Street Journal, January 17, 2002
By Dana Dillon and Paolo Pasicolan. Mr. Dillon is a senior policy analyst, and Mr.
Pasicolan a research assistant, at the Heritage Foundation. Imagine an
Afghanistan-by-the-South-China-Sea, a radical Muslim state carved out from renegade
regions of Southeast Asia, led by fundamentalist clerics calling for the destruction of
the West.
Next Stop, Southeast Asia (18/01/02) #2224
Asian Wall Street Journal, January 17, 2002
While the world waits to see where the U.S. will take the war on terrorism next, it is
clear that Iraq and Somalia are not the only possibilities. Southeast Asia stands out
as a major breeding ground for the forces of global instability. In the international effort
to root out terrorists wherever they may be hiding, expect the situation in this volatile
region to heat up soon.
Govt to lift state of civil emergency in North Maluku (17/01/02) #2223
The Jakarta Post, January 16, 2002
AMBON, Maluku (JP): The state of civil emergency in North Maluku province and in
parts of Maluku province will soon be lifted, an official said on Wednesday. Maluku
civil emergency administrator, Governor Saleh Latuconsina, revealed at his office on
Wednesday that the decision was made following a coordination meeting last week
with top Cabinet and security officials and evaluation of the implementation of the
state of emergency in both Maluku and NorthMaluku provinces.
Special Forces Join Effort in Philippines (17/01/02) #2221
Trainers to Aid Anti-Guerrilla Patrols
THE WASHINGTON POST, Wednesday, January 16, 2002; Page A01
By Steve Vogel, Washington Post Staff Writer
U.S. Special Forces have begun arriving in the Philippines to assist Philippine troops
in their fight against Muslim guerrillas linked to Osama bin Laden, part of a significant
expansion of the U.S. war on terrorism outside Afghanistan.
Jihad cleric laughs off link to al-Qaeda (16/01/02) #2215
The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday, January 16, 2002
By Richard Paddock in Solo, Indonesia
With his white beard and bare feet, Abu Bakar Bashir hardly looks the part of a
wanted international terrorist. As students trailed behind on Monday, the 63-year-old
Indonesian cleric ambled across the grounds of the Islamic school he founded 30
years ago. He laughed when he was shown a photo of himself in a Malaysian
newspaper under the headline "ON THE RUN".
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 225 Upg (15/01/02) #2214
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 14, 2002
We noticed that once again our report was truncated, so we repeat the first part of
this message at the same time reediting its contents and adding another news item:
Ambon, Poso do not echo image of RI: Cardinal (15/01/02) #2213
The Jakarta Post, January 14, 2002
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The sectarian conflicts in Maluku and Poso, Central Sulawesi, do not reflect the real
situation in Indonesia, because the two areas constitute just a small part of the
expansive country, says Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja.
Warriors on alert in 'last bastion of Christianity' (15/01/02) #2211
South China Morning Post, Monday, January 14, 2002
CHRIS MCCALL in Manado, North Sulawesi
In the mountains of Indonesia's remote region of Minahasa, such Christian militias are
preparing for war. The tip of Sulawesi's northern peninsula may be the last hold-out
against those who wish to create a fundamentalist Islamic Republic of Indonesia.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 225 (14/01/02) #2209
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 14, 2002
1. FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE ATTACK ON RUTONG – As we reported
yesterday, on Sunday, January 13, 2002, the Christian village of Rutong, on the South
coast of the island of Ambon, was attacked. During the three years of conflict, this
was the fourth time that an attack was launched on this little village. About 500
assailants, carrying AK-47, SS-1, M-16 rifles and FN pistols, came down the hills and
got as far as about 60 meters from the border of the village.
Two more killed in Indonesia's restive Ambon (14/01/02) #2208
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Sunday January 13, 2002 8:53 PM
AMBON, Indonesia, Jan 13 (AFP) - Two men were killed after a group of men from a
Muslim area of the eastern Indonesian city of Ambon attacked a predominantly
Christian village there, police said Sunday.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 224 (14/01/02) #220
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 13, 2002
ASSAULT ON RUTONG – It has been a long time since a large-scale attack took
place on the island of Ambon. However, in the early morning of Sunday, January 13,
2002, the Protestant Christian village of Rutong on the South coast of the island
suffered an attack by opposing forces that – coming from the Ambon neighbourhood
of Galunggung – had crosssed the peninsula of Leitimur toward Rutong. We are still
waiting for more precise and trustworthy information. Anyway, the alternative route for
the christians from Ambon to the large village of Passo may thus be obstructed.
Attacker killed in Ambon assault (14/01/02) #2206
The Jakarta Post, January 13, 2002
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Fresh violence erupted in Ambon, the site of an ongoing
sectarian conflict, on Sunday when a group of gunmen attacked Rutong Village in the
Ambon mayoralty, leaving one attacker dead and four injured.
Al Qaeda Feared To Be Lurking In Indonesia (14/01/02) #2199
THE WASHINGTON POST, Friday, January 11, 2002; Page A01
By Rajiv Chandrasekaran, Washington Post Foreign Service
JAKARTA, Indonesia -- In August last year, U.S. intelligence agents learned that
Osama bin Laden's al Qaeda terrorist network had obtained a highly detailed,
hand-drawn map of the U.S. diplomatic compound here.
WARNING from Joshua (11/01/02) #2197
Govt prepares new agenda to stop Ambon conflict (11/01/02) #2194
The Jakarta Post, January 11, 2002
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku officials were scheduled to meet with the central
government in Jakarta on Friday with the hope that new concrete steps would be
taken towards resolving sectarian conflict in the province.
UN Urged To Protect Minorities Against Islamist Violence (11/01/02) #2193
CNSNews, January 10, 2002
By Patrick Goodenough, Pacific Rim Bureau Chief
Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) - Christians from troubled parts of Indonesia
were among a group of some 100 persecuted people from around the world who
participated in a rally outside United Nations headquarters Wednesday. They urged
the world body to act against what they called "jihad violence" against non-Muslim
minorities and Muslim moderates.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 223 (11/01/02) #2192
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 10, 2002
CONTROVERSY LOCAL MUSLIMS VS. LASKAR JIHAD – We read in the local
christian “Siwalima” newspaper the following sad happening. In two cafés – café
Planet and café Robot – in the Muslim neighbourhood of Galunggung at the eastern
end of the city of Ambon some visitors were enjoying karaoke music in the evening of
Tuesday, January 8. This was noticed by several laskar jihads who happened to be
close by. Thus a quarrel arose between them, for the jihads do not approve of this
kind of western decadency. Then, at about 11.40 p.m., a car halted not far from that
location and unloaded about ten men in “ninja”’s dress, their faces masked with
cloths. They were carrying M-16 guns and FN pistols. All of the visitors managed to
escape. However, seven café wait! ers were taken hostage and one, named Rusdi
Tawuta, was shot dead. Both cafés and two motorbikes consequently were burned.
Jihad Seethes, and Grows, on Indonesian Island (11/01/02) #2189
THE NEW YORK TIMES, Thursday, January 10, 2002
By SETH MYDANS
POSO, Indonesia — This lovely seaside town is the sort of place the Bush
administration is talking about when it warns of places that could nurture new terrorist
cells that could be possible targets of United States action.
Rights Group Demands U.N. Probe 'Jihad-Islamism' (11/01/02) #2188
REUTERS, Wednesday, January 09, 2002 03:56 PM ET
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A human rights group on Wednesday urged the United
Nations to appoint someone to investigate what it called "jihad violence" against
non-Muslims and moderate Muslims in several Asian, African and Middle Eastern
countries.
Indonesian moderates outnumber Islamic militants (10/01/02) #2187
The Christian Science Monitor, January 09, 2002 edition
By Simon Montlake | Special to The Christian Science Monitor
JAKARTA, INDONESIA - After weeks of hearing radical Muslim protesters call for
bloody revenge on US citizens here, Tamalia Alisjahbana decided that enough was
enough.
Some 4,000 displaced by Poso conflict suffer mental disorders (10/01/02) #2186
The Jakarta Post, January 10, 2002
Leo Wahyudi S, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The three-year-old sectarian conflict that has riven Poso, Central Sulawesi, has also
led to a major mental health crisis, according to government health officials.
Poso gradually returns to normal (10/01/02) #2185
The Jakarta Post, January 10, 2002
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Poso
The situation in the Central Sulawesi regency of Poso is gradually returning to normal,
following the recent signing of the Malino Declaration to end the wearing three-year
war that has claimed more than 2,000 lives.
Surrendered weapons destroyed in strife-torn Sulawesi (10/01/02) #2184
ABC (9/01/02 7:11:27)
In Indonesia's troubled province of Central Sulawesi, police have destroyed more than
eight thousand weapons surrendered by Christians and Muslims.
Unrest Masterminded in Jakarta: Official (09/01/02) #2184
Laksamana.Net, January 8, 2002 09:06 PM
Laksamana.Net - A human rights official has acknowledged that certain parties in
Jakarta are responsible for provoking communal conflicts in the provinces, including
Maluku and North Maluku, where thousands of people have been killed in sectarian
violence over the past three years.
THE ILLEGAL LASKAR JIHAD AND... (09/01/02) #2181
It has been extensively reported that peace agreement had finally established
between Moslems and Christians in Poso. It is said that the representatives of several
elements of people from both sides had actively took part to reach a mutual
understanding but it did not give specific information on those elements involved and
how they were chosen. This is crucial because there is a strong favoritism to legalize
"Laskar Jihad Ahlus Sunah wal Jamaah" as one element of local people. If this is
evident then the peace agreement will not last. The main reason about the above
statement will be explained while what had happened recently in Maluku can be
viewed as an example. The Government was overconfident in stating that the condition
in Maluku had been brought under control of the Regional Civil Emergency Authority
but it turned out otherwise. This proves that without removing the "laskar jihad" from
the area, then secure and peaceful condition is simply an illusion. What had recently
happened in the town of Palu, central Sulawesi, should be viewed as a continuation of
the conflict of Poso. The destruction of several Church buildings in Palu has revealed
the real situation in central Sulawesi. Without sterilizing the area from the carrier of
sectarian virus, which is "laskar jihad", the well published peace consensus set up by
the Government of Indonesia is nothing but an insincere propaganda.
Two Brands Of Islam In Indonesia Jockey For Future (09/01/02) #2180
Asian Wall Street Journal, January 8, 2002
By JAY SOLOMON, Staff Reporter
JAKARTA -- Nursanita Nasution and Syafii Maarif both believe that Islam offers the
best hope of rescuing this increasingly fractured country from political chaos. But the
two respected Muslim leaders have vastly different religious agendas.
SERIES OF NATIONAL CRIMES AGAINST MALUKU (1&2) (09/01/02) #2179
What so called a 'sectarian conflict' has been going on for almost three years now.
Three consecutive Governments seemed to try to restore peace to the province but
with no success. Many luminous theory and concepts had been brought up to be the
solutions to end the conflict but all had finally fallen to the ground. Many government
officials including the former Vice President who is the president at the moment,
unbelievable number of army personnel and police officers have been in and out of the
province but the people of Maluku, especially Christians are still being slaughtered
and driven away from their villages and lands. While former President, K.H.
Abdurahman Wahid did not have much to do due to the lack of support from the high
rank military and police officers, state officials and politicians, B.J. Habibie was seen
to have even "brought the firewood" into the Maluku, while the current President, Mss.
Megawati Soekarnoputri has simply done nothing.
Nothing wrong with promoting Islamic law, PPP insists (08/01/02) #2177
The Jakarta Post, January 08, 2002
Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Vice President Hamzah Haz's Muslim-based United Development Party (PPP)
questioned on Monday a splinter group's move to exploit ideology as its reason for
breaking away from the party.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 222 (07/01/02) #2176
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 7, 2002
SOLDIER BURNED – On December 27, 2001, christians in the village of Passo,
situated at the end of the bay of Ambon, halted a navy fuel truck that had brought fuel
to Passo. Besides burning the truck, they had also abducted one of the escorting
soldiers, whilst two other soldiers escaped. The burned skull and several belongings
of the disappeared soldier, named Darianto, have now been found at last at Air Besar,
near Passo. It is thought that this action was meant as a revenge on the shooting at
the speedboat “Anugerah” earlier on the same day (see Report 119 no.3).
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 221 (07/01/02) #2175
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 4, 2002
OUTBURST OF VIOLENCE IN KELANG – The tiny island of Kelang, situated
between the large islands of Ceram and Buru, became the arena of an internal conflict
of Muslims on December 22, 2001. The fighting was between the residents of
Tahalupu and those of Tihu, two villages that of old have known skirmishes among
themselves. Both sides used homemade firearms. The strife resulted in the death of a
twenty years old man from Tahalupu while three others from the same village were
injured by bullets. Police and military forces succeeded in bringing the situation under
control.
CHRONOLOGY OF VIOLENCE IN AMBON IN 2001 (07/01/02) #2174
Jan. 1 - A booby trap hit a personnel from Brimob (Mobile Brigade Police) I Bogor
when patrols on the border of Suli (Christian Village). One died and the other one
injured.
...>...>...
Dec. 29 - At 11:15 a.m Local Time, Loud bomb explosion from a mini bus owned by
city of Ambon government office, park next to the city hall bldg. The explosion creates
panic among government worker and serounding area, and run for shelter under the
pouring rain. There's no casualty but created tension between two factions.
Indonesia - OCHA Consolidated Situation Report No. 57 (07/01/02) #2173
29 December 2001 - 04 January 2002
MALUKU * On Saturday (29 Dec.) a bomb exploded under a parked bus on a road
besides the governor's office in Ambon. No casualties were reported.
NORTH MALUKU * A police officer shot dead a displaced person from Ambon in
Toboko, South Ternate, on Wednesday (2 Jan.). Following the incident, local people
blocked and burned old tires on the streets and activities came temporary to a halt
during the day.
No arrest of militants, Muslim leaders warn (07/01/02) #2172
The Jakarta Post, January 07, 2002
Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Indonesian Muslim leaders on Sunday called on law enforcement agencies not to
follow the example of Malaysia and Singapore in arresting militants, as it would not
help to improve the country's security situation.
Thousands of Indon refugees to be returned to troubled region (07/01/02) #2171
ABC (6/01/02 8:50:48)
Indonesian authorities in the troubled province of Central Sulawesi will begin returning
almost 90,000 refugees to the strife-torn Poso area.
Bombings At Indonesian Churches Reflect... (07/01/02) #2169
CNSNews, January 02, 2002
By Patrick Goodenough, Pacific Rim Bureau Chief
Pacific Rim Bureau (CNSNews.com) - The violence wasn't nearly as bad as predicted,
but a series of New Year bombings at churches in Indonesia's restive Central
Sulawesi province served as a reminder that despite a recent local peace agreement,
tensions between Muslims and Christians remain high.
New Year's church bombings... (04/01/02) #2168
Baptist Press, January 3, 2002
By Mark Kelly
JAKARTA, Indonesia (BP)--Although troops prevented a threatened massacre of
Christian refugees in Indonesia's Central Sulawesi province, a series of church
bombings on New Year's Day proves extremist Muslim militias still pose a serious
danger to Christians in the province, even after a Dec. 20 peace accord was signed.
Christians in Indonesia Allowing persecution to happen (04/01/02) #2167
NATIONAL REVIEW, January 2, 2002 9:15 a.m.
By Julia Duin, an assistant national editor at the Washington Times
I first became aware of central Indonesia eleven years ago, when I bought a map in an
airport shop in Cebu, in the middle of the Philippines. A portion of this 17,000-mile
archipelago was taken up by a huge island shaped like a pinwheel: Sulawesi. In 1999,
horrific stories about Christian persecution in that part of the world started to leak out.
A radical Islamic group called Laskar Jihad was terrorizing Christians in a group of
islands called the Moluccas, just east of Sulawesi. Christians who refused to convert
to Islam were killed; those who did convert were then separated from their families,
given Muslim names, and forcibly circumcised — without anaesthetic, and with dirty
instruments. Scissors were used on the adults. They were then told to wash in the
sea to disinfect their wounds. The women underwent female genital circumcision.
Arrests over church bombings in Central Sulawesi (04/01/02) #2166
ABC (3/01/02 22:13:29)
Indonesian police have arrested three men allegedly involved in the bombing of
churches on New Year's Day in Central Sulawesi.
4 CHURCHES BOMBED ON NEW YEAR'S EVE INDONESIA (04/01/02) #2165
Barnabas Fund, 2 January 2002
Windows were shattered when bombs exploded in three churches in Palu, Central
Sulawesi, at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Later a bomb exploded during a morning
service at another church, wounding two policemen who were working to defuse it.
S. Sulawesi Muslims seek referendum (04/01/02) #2164
The Jakarta Post, January 02, 2002
MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The South Sulawesi Muslims' Second Congress held
here ended on Monday with a recommendation to implement Syariah (Islamic Law) in
the province of South Sulawesi by either special autonomy or independence.
In Indonesia, Once Tolerant Islam Grows Rigid (04/01/02) #2163
THE NEW YORK TIMES, December 29, 2001
By SETH MYDANS
JAKARTA, Indonesia, Dec. 25 - The men in the mosque looked up in surprise as a
mob in white robes and white caps splashed down the muddy alley, waving long
wooden batons and shouting, "God is great!"
Conflicts in Indonesia: A sociological review (04/01/02) #2162
The Jakarta Post, January 02, 2002
By Ignas Kleden, Sociologist, The Center for East Indonesian Affairs, Jakarta
Poso is the latest example of the inter-ethnic conflicts that have strikingly
characterized political reform and the new millennium in Indonesia. Poso, however, is
only one item in a long list that includes Pontianak, Sambas, Ambon, Sampit, Aceh
and Papua.
THE SITUATION IN AMBON / MOLUCCAS – Report no. 220 (02/01/02) #2156
Crisis Centre Diocese of Amboina, Ambon, January 1, 2002
BOMB BLAST – On Saturday, December 29, 2001, a bomb was thrown under a
parked government owned passenger bus on the Sultan Khairun Road, just between
the governor’s Office building and restaurant Halim in Ambon. There were no victims.
Grenade explosion in Jakarta, bombs in Palu (02/01/02) #2155
The Jakarta Post, January 01, 2002
JAKARTA (JP): A grenade exploded in front of the Ayam Bulungan restaurant in
South Jakarta at 3:30 a.m. on Tuesday, while bombs exploded in four churches in
Palu, capital of Central Sulawesi, on late Monday evening and Tuesday morning.
Indonesia sees in 2002 with church bombs... (02/01/02) #2154
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE, Tuesday January 1, 2002 5:35 PM
The world's most populous Muslim nation began the New Year with four churches
bombed and one person dead from a grenade blast, after revellers elsewhere in
Indonesia welcomed in 2002 with fireworks and trumpets.
Blasts rock churches in Central Sulawesi (02/01/02) #2152
ABC (1/01/02 17:00:07)
Simultaneous explosions rocked three churches in the capital of Indonesia's volatile
eastern Central Sulawesi province just as the New Year began.
Many Muslim Indonesians say they want an Islamic state (02/01/02) #2150
THE STRAITS TIMES, Wednesday, January 2, 2002
By Devi Asmarani, STRAITS TIMES INDONESIA BUREAU
A recent survey which shows they are becoming more devout has also raised fears of
growing radicalism in the country JAKARTA - Muslim Indonesians are becoming more
devout and many long for the their country to become an Islamic state, according to a
recent survey.
Jihad Comes to Indonesia (02/01/02) #2149
Bin Laden's allies attempt a hostile takeover
THE WEEKLY STANDARD [Washington D.C.]
Volume 07, Number 16 - December 31, 2001 / January 7, 2002
By Paul Marshall
THE ROAD BETWEEN Poso and Tentena on the Indonesian island of Sulawesi runs
past burned-out homes, stores, and churches, and is blocked by check-points
adorned with pictures of Osama bin Laden. Some have signs proclaiming him "our
leader." Islamic militias stop vehicles and check identity papers. Christians have been
dragged out of cars and buses and summarily shot.
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