World Vision International, March 12, 2002
Reconciliation in North Maluku
by Mira Renata, World Vision Communications
Galela, North Maluku- The remnants of two-years of religions-based social conflict
remains imprinted in North Maluku's landscape. But reconciliation between North
Maluku's Christians and Muslims residents is helping to rehabilitate the area.
World Vision Indonesia's transitional relief project, North Maluku Rehabilitation Project
(NMRP), rebuilds housing and community infrastructure, encouraging people to
rebuild their shattered communities. The project has also been a place for healing as
Muslims and Christians work side by side in the team, working together to rebuild
their communities.
For decades, Muslims and Christians in North Maluku had lived in harmony.
Intermarriage and mixed faiths within a family, nuclear or extended, had been integral
to the fabric of their society. Thus, when conflict erupted in the province in early 2000,
many families were divided.
NMRP has distributed roofing kits to some 4,000 households. "We and the
neighbours are now back like the old days," Mr De Fretes said, while standing outside
his half-reconstructed house in Soakonora village, Galela. According to him, Muslims
and Christians in his residential area have been lending a hand to finish the
reconstruction of their houses.
"When we first returned, we slept on the debris of our burned house, using leaves for
its roof," said Yanti, a 19-year-old girl in Soatabaru village, Galela. Following
distribution of roofing kits from NMRP, she and her family then set up temporary
shelters a few meters from the original house's site. The skeleton of her previous
house has also been re-modified for an outdoor cooking spot. Yanti also tells how
happy she is to return and spend time with her Muslim friends. "I like to sleep over at
their home and watch TV together till late at night," she giggled.
Rehabilitation of the communities' infrastructures has NMRP working with residents in
building and renovating various public facilities in about 40 villages within the four
sub-districts. Ranging from public latrines, septic tanks, health posts, schools, to
traditional markets, World Vision is targeting the most essential facilities within each
village.
In most of the villages NMRP activities have provided residents first time access to
basic services. Residents of Bobisingo village, for example, are currently building their
first health post. "When it is established, it will benefit each of us here. Next time we
need medical treatment, we no longer need to walk some 27 kilometers to reach
sub-district hospital," several residents said.
Email: newsvision@wvi.org for more information.
© Copyright 2001 World Vision International.
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