Christian persecution in Indonesia

We are delighted to share with you the news that the three Christian Sunday school teachers were released on probation on 8 June 2007, after two years’ imprisonment. Dr. Rebekka Zakaria, Eti Pangesti and Ratna Bangun are now spending time with their families.

Despite a lack of evidence, the three women were sentenced on 1 September 2005 to three years in prison and a fine of 1,5 million rupiah (£80) on charges of trying to ‘Christianize’ Muslim children without their parents consent.

Speaking about her release, Dr Rebekka told CSW: “I am very happy to see my family. My Muslim neighbors came to welcome me with tears in their eyes and many sent also food and welcome messages. The same happened to Eti. There were also tearful goodbyes when we left the prison and even the guards had tears in their eyes when they said goodbye.”

Throughout their time in prison they were a constant source of inspiration and blessing not only to other inmates but also to the wider Christian community.

A CSW representative visited them just a few weeks prior to their release in May. All three were in good spirits and were in fact in the middle of a lively Sunday service.

They wished to convey their heartfelt gratitude to those who had campaigned and prayed for them.

Dr Rebcca, who is now planning on finishing her Masters in Theology, said, “I want everyone around the world to know that following Jesus is a great joy even if there is suffering, and that suffering should not be feared because anything we face Jesus is there with us.

I see in US and Europe that Christians consider freedom ordinary and I would like to say freedom does not mean we are free from the laws of God. So use your last moments to love Jesus. And do not be afraid!!

Continue to pray and care for each other. In suffering in this jail we can be strong because of prayer and concern and that has made us strong.”

Ratna added, “The love of Jesus has no end, He is good. He always gives us what is best. As believers we need to bring forth fruits of the spirit and remember love, extraordinary love.”

Ratna will be returning to her ancestral village in Medan later this summer where she will re-marry according to the Batak tribe tradition. Her return to the village will fulfil the dying wish of her father who died while she was still in prison.

Eti will be focusing on supporting her husband’s business and spending time with her children.

All three will be on probation until February 2009. If they engage in any activities perceived to be ‘Christianization’, their probation will be withdrawn. Although this is standard practice in Indonesia, it is likely that they will be closely observed not just by the authorities but also by the Islamist groups behind their arrest. They have therefore stepped down from any active role in the church.

Please join us in thanking God for the release of these three courageous women. Continue to pray for the safety of Rebecca, Ratna and Eti and their families. Pray that freedom of religion will be respected in Indonesia and that Christian will be able to worship freely without harassment and threats from the Islamist groups.

The Christian community in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, has welcomed the sentencing of three Islamist militants for the beheading of three Christian schoolgirls, but at the same time expressed concerns over the seeming disparity between the sentencing of Christians and Muslims, fearing further harsh penalties on Christians.

The three Islamist militants were sentenced on 21 March 2007 for the beheading of three Christian schoolgirls in October 2005. Hasanuddin was sentenced for 20 years imprisonment for masterminding the attack, and his accomplices, Lilik Purnomo and Irwanto Irano, were sentenced to 14 years each.

Whilst the Christian community in the area welcomes the verdict, they are concerned that this and a recent crackdown on militants in the area will result in the authorities imposing harsher penalties on Christians in an attempt to be seen to treat both communities equally.

This would particularly impact twelve young Christian men from Poso, Central Sulawesi, who are currently standing trial accused of terrorist activities, and are facing a possible death penalty. They were arrested for the murder of two Muslim men during the demonstrations following the execution of three Catholic Christians in September last year.

Observers are concerned that these twelve men have been charged under both the Anti-terrorism law and the criminal law despite there being no apparent evidence to sustain the terrorism charges. It is seen as an attempt by authorities to demonstrate that they are not singling out the Muslim community as the only perpetrators of terrorism. National and international human rights organizations are following the case of the twelve Christian men closely.

The trial comes at a time when around twenty Islamist militants have been arrested or killed in the last three months in an ongoing security operation in Central Sulawesi. The crack-down follows attacks including bombings, targeted killings of Christian leaders and killings of eyewitnesses to the attacks and the judiciary.

Whilst Christian leaders in Sulawesi welcome the authorities finally taking action against some of the key figures that have been terrorizing the community, they fear a backlash against the Christian community.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide - UK’s Chief Executive, Mervyn Thomas, said: “We are pleased that justice has finally prevailed following the brutal attack on the three schoolgirls in 2005. However, the pattern of violence continues in Indonesia. We urge both the Christian and Muslim communities to work with the authorities in Central Sulawesi to put an end to this cycle of attacks once and for all. We also ask the authorities to ensure that minorities are treated fairly and equally by the judiciary. We shall be following closely the progress of the trial.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Hasanuddin is the son- in-law of Islamist militant leader in Poso, Adnan Arsal, and has reportedly trained in Philippines with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). He stated that the attack was in revenge for Christians killing Muslims during the early stages of the sectarian conflict in Central Sulawesi.

2. The schoolgirls were attacked on their way to school. Another girl, Noviana Malewa, managed to flee the scene. The militants put the heads of the three girls in plastic bags and dumped them in surrounding villages with notes stating ‘We still need another 100 heads. Blood for blood, a life for life and a head for a head.’

3. Basri, one of the most wanted men and considered to be a mastermind of many of the attacks on Christian community in Poso, was arrested on 1 February 2007. He gave evidence about the extensive involvement of Jemaah Islamiyah, a regional terrorist organization, in the conflict in Poso.

Following our Urgent Action sent on Wednesday 19 September, we are deeply saddened to report that the three Catholic Christians in Indonesia were executed last night. The executions have prompted riots in Indonesia to protest against the decision.

As you may remember from previous Urgent Action emails, Fabianus Tibo, 60, Dominggus da Silva, 39, and Marinus Riwu, 48, were accused of masterminding the sectarian violence in Central Sulawesi and for leading a violent attack against an Islamic school in 2000. At their trial Muslim witnesses spoke out in their defense and both Muslim and Christian leaders called for the stay of execution and re-trial.

Rinaldy Damanik, the leader of the Central Sulawesi Christian Church who spoke at the CSW roadshows last year, has said he is resigning in protest at the killings .

The men were originally due to be executed on 12 August 2006, but were granted a stay of execution following international pressure. The EU and others were vocal in their opposition to the death penalty for the men and Pope Benedict XVI also appealed to President Yudhoyono on ‘humanitarian grounds’.

The Attorney-General for Central Sulawesi, Mohammad Yahya Sibe, and the Chief of Police, Brig. Gen. Oegroseno, were subsequently replaced, reportedly because they favored a stay of execution and retrial for the three men – a move strongly opposed by militant Islamist leaders in the region.

Human rights organizations, including CSW, have raised concerns over the discrepancy in sentencing Christians and Muslims involved in the violence. Whilst Muslims have also been arrested, no Muslim has received a significantly severe sentence. For example, no arrests have been made following the attack and beheading of three Christian schoolgirls in Sulawesi last October.

Many believe that the fate of Tibo, da Silva and Riwu was linked to the planned execution of three Muslim men in connection with the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings. These men were also given a reprieve last month and are filing final appeals for clemency.

On 30 August the lawyers of Fabianus Tibo, Dominggus da Silva and Marianus Riwu, the three Catholic Christians on death row in Indonesia, appealed to the Indonesian President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, for clemency to be granted to their clients. This is the second such appeal after the President turned down a similar request last year.

As you will know from previous urgent actions regarding this case (28/03/06, 09/08/2006, 14/8/06, 21/8/2006), these three men were sentenced to execution after being accused and found guilty of masterminding the violence in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia in 2000. An international campaign was mounted which secured the support of the EU, Pope Benedict XVI and Amnesty International. This campaign focused on the inconsistencies of the original trial and pointed to the evidence which supported calls for a re-trial. The three men had their execution stayed on 12 August, just hours before they were due to be killed, having already received the last rites.

The execution was initially postponed until after 20 August, however it now appears to have been delayed indefinitely with commentators suggesting a link between this case and that of the three Muslim militants sentenced to death for bombing Bali in 2002.

In a worrying recent development, the Attorney-General for Central Sulawesi, Mohammad Yahya Sibe has been replaced. On 30 August the Chief of Police, Brig. Gen. Oegroseno was also replaced and sent to take up an administrative role at Police Headquarters in Jakarta. Both these men were involved in the last minute reprieve granted to Tibo, da Silva and Riwu, a move which many Islamic leaders strongly opposed.

It is not known when the President might give his decision on the appeal for clemency, it could be a matter of weeks or even years if the President so wishes, but until a verdict is pronounced these three men cannot be executed.

Please continue to petition the Indonesian Ambassador to the US. The Indonesian Ambassador to the US is

Thank you so much for praying and campaigning on behalf of the three Catholic Christians facing execution in Indonesia. The men, accused of masterminding the violence in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia in 2000, have been the subject of an intense international campaign over recent weeks and months. This campaign focuses on inconsistencies and concerns regarding their trial and has drawn support from the EU, Amnesty International and Pope Benedict XVI.

The original date for the execution was delayed until after the 20th August following an international outcry. It now seems that the date has been delayed indefinitely following news of the postponement of the execution of the Bali bombers. (Commentators have consistently linked the fate of the three men in Poso to the government's treatment of the three Muslim militants on death row for the 2002 Bali bombing).

For more information see our urgent actions of 28/03/06, 09/08/06 and 14/08/06.

Fabianus Tibo, 60, Dominggus da Silva, 39, Marinus Riwu, 48 and their familes.
A fair re-trial for the men.
Peace in the region and restraint by both Muslim and Christian communities.
Please continue to petition the Indonesian Ambassador to the US - see details in PREVIOUS REPORT

Thank you again for your support. We will keep you updated as the situation develops.

Thank you so much for praying and campaigning on behalf of the three Catholic Christians in Indonesia. Incredibly, at the 11^th hour, a stay of execution was granted and the men's lives were spared. Praise God for this answer to prayer!

The decision came after intense international lobbying, including an appeal by His Holiness Pope Benedict. Officially, the stay was granted to allow preparations for the independence celebrations of 17^th August, however we truly believe that prayer and campaigning played a crucial part in the decision.

As you will recall, the men had been accused of masterminding the violence in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia in 2000. They were due to be executed on Friday evening (British time) and had received their last rites. For more information see our urgent actions of 28/03/06 and 09/08/2006.

Prayer vigils are continuing for the men as it is likely that the executions will be re-scheduled to August 20.

Please continue to petition the Indonesian Ambassador to the UK and the Indonesian Ambassador to the European Union. The Indonesian Ambassador to the UK is His Excellency Dr Raden Mohammad Marty Muliana Natalegawa Fax: 020 7491 4993 E-mail: kbri@btconnect.com The Indonesian Ambassador to the EU is His Excellency Abdurrachman Mattalitti. Fax: 00322 772 8210 E-mail: primebxl@skynet.be

Thank you again for your support. We will keep you updated as the situation develops.

The families of Tibo, Dominggus and Marianus, three Catholic Christians from Indonesia, were informed yesterday that the men will be executed in two days. Sources in Indonesia suggest that the execution is likely to take place on Friday evening (August 11). A letter to this effect was received by the families from the attorney general (no:SR.65/R.2.10/Buh.1/8/2006) formally informing them of the execution.

Fabianus Tibo, 60, Dominggus da Silva, 39, and Marinus Riwu, 48, were accused of being the masterminds of the sectarian violence in Central Sulawesi and for leading a violent attack against an Islamic school in 2000. All three men were sentenced to death and have had their final appeal for clemency rejected by the President.

At their trial Muslim witnesses spoke out in their defense and both Muslim and Christian leaders have called for the stay of execution and re-trial.

Both communities were involved in sectarian violence and set up militia (community defense) groups in 2000 and questions remain whether the three men might have been members of one of the groups. However, they are innocent of their charges and there is substantial evidence to support calls for a re-trial.

Due to substantial evidence to support calls for a re-trial and following pressure from local and international human rights groups, a judicial review panel was set up by the Supreme court. However, on May 9th the review panel of five judges upheld the verdict.

In the last two years, the Christian community has faced constant attacks by militants in the region, most notably the beheading of three Christian girls in October last year. In the last few months the security officials have made a number of arrests of militants responsible for the violence but some leaders still remain at large. It is feared that in the wake of the execution there might be an emotional response from the Christian community which in turn can be exploited by militant Islamist groups.

Thank you for your continuing prayers for the men and their families following our UA of 28/03/06. The EU and others have previously made urgent representations to the Indonesian Government about the case and humanly speaking a positive outcome seems highly unlikely. However we serve the God of the impossible.

If you read this mailing in time please also urgently petition the Indonesian Ambassador to the US. The Indonesian Ambassador to the US is His Excellency Sudjadnan Parnohadiningrat Phone: (202) 775-5200 Fax: (202) 775-5365 Email: lprakoso@embassyofindonesia.org

In your correspondence you may wish to appeal for the lives of the men, citing incomplete investigations into the violence. Call for an Independent Investigation into the violence, as suggested by Reverend Rinaldy Damanik, which would require the men to act as key witnesses. Politely point out that the international community is watching this case with concern and interest, and that future relations with Indonesia may be adversely affected if these men are not given a fair trial before such a draconian sentence is passed.

Reverend Rinaldy Damanik, the newly elected leader of the Central Sulawesi Protestant Church (GKST), has just been released from prison.

He was released yesterday from Palu Prison in Central Sulawesi , having served two years and two months of a three year sentence.

He had been arrested on September 9, 2002 for allegedly possessing illegal weapons and on June 16, 2003 was sentenced to three years' imprisonment.

In his capacity as the head of the Crisis Centre of Central Sulawesi, he was responsible for informing the international community of the attacks and human rights violations against Christians in the region. There is good evidence to suggest he was falsely charged in a bid to silence him as a result of his human rights work. Yesterday he was due to travel to the regional capital of Tentena to be reunited with his family.

The situation in Central Sulawesi has been deteriorating in the last six months despite the growing grassroots reconciliation movement within both Muslim and Christian communities.

The majority of those who have lost their lives in the violence have been Christians. The Islamist militant movement, Jemaah Islamiyah, remains in the area together with local militant movements, and are widely held to be responsible for much of the unrest.

Since the last large scale attack on Christian villages in October 2003, militants have changed their tactics. They are now targeting prominent Christian leaders and pastors in a terror campaign that has claimed, on average, almost one victim per week.

On November 8 at 8am, Imbo, a 41-year old Christian, was shot and killed while driving from Madale to Poso. It is believed that militants stopped his car near Kawanga (1 km from Poso City ) and shot him in the neck. He died instantly.

On November 5 Sarminalis Ndele, 48, the Christian chief of Pineada village, was beheaded. A car drove past a petrol station in Sayo village in Poso city and they threw something out of the window. When bystanders went to investigate they discovered Mr Ndele's severed head in a black plastic bag. His body was discovered a few hours later at another location.

The next few months are of particular concern given the tensions surrounding the upcoming elections for the head (Bupati) of the Poso Region of Sulawesi .

Rev Damanik has been an outspoken critic of the police and other government authorities' lack of commitment to stop the violence in the region. He has also been a key supporter of the reconciliation process and, as such, a hindrance to the activities of Islamist militants, who are largely held to be responsible for the sectarian violence in Maluku and Sulawesi . The Crisis Centre is the Protestant Church body providing assistance to the Internally Displaced Peoples, promoting reconciliation and reporting on human rights violations and the conflict in Central Sulawesi .

He was convicted on charges of 'illegal weapons possession' in June 2003 and sentenced to three years in prison, being due for release in September 2005. Many observers believed Damanik was innocent and the police produced contradictory evidence and eyewitness testimonies. Also, court witnesses claimed they were tortured by police and forced to give false evidence.

An imprisoned Indonesian Christian, the Reverend Rinaldy Damanik, could be released on parole as early as November 2004. He was notified by the Ministry of Justice that his release was in process.

Rev Damanik has already had permission to leave the prison on day visits but has chosen not to exercise this option during the volatile Presidential election time. He told CSW that he feels his possible early release is a miracle and is thanks to the prayers of so many people around the world.

He is also extremely grateful for the efforts of a respected Muslim cleric, Idrus Al Habsy. This cleric repeatedly intervened on Rev Damanik's behalf and, just before he died, provided him with a character reference which was instrumental in securing his early release.

Rev Damanik, 45, has been an outspoken critic of the apparent lack of commitment by the police and government authorities to take measures aimed at ending the violence between Christians and Muslims. He has also been a key supporter of the reconciliation process and, as such, a hindrance to the activities of the Islamist militants largely held to be responsible for the sectarian violence in Maluku and Sulawesi . This violence has claimed some 10,000 lives on the Maluku alone in the last five years.

Rev Damanik's supporters are convinced he was imprisoned on false charges in a bid to silence him and to placate extremists.

In June 2003 he was sentenced to three years imprisonment and the verdict was upheld despite several appeals.

CSW has worked closely with Muslims and Christians to promote the peace process and has asked supporters to pray for Rev Damanik's release. Whilst the Indonesian government in general is predominantly moderate and religious tolerance prevails, Rev Damanik's sentence regrettably highlights the gross difference in standards of justice given to members of different religious communities.

Rev Damanik is head of the Crisis Centre of Central Sulawesi and was responsible for informing the international community of the attacks and human rights violations in the area. He was stopped by police in Peleru in Sulawesi while attempting to evacuate to safety Christians under attack from militants on August 17 2002.

The police allege they seized 14 weapons and ammunition from his car, but he was not arrested at the time nor informed of such a discovery.

A warrant for his arrest was issued on August 22. He was arrested on September 9, 2002, in Jakarta . He was charged with violation of emergency law No. 12/1951, chapter 1 on prohibition of owning and controlling weapons or ammunition without permission.

His arrest and trial have been plagued with human rights violations. Many of the testimonies from the police and military witnesses were contradictory and eyewitnesses admitted to being intimidated and abused. Some witnesses could not even agree on the type of vehicle Rev Damanik was allegedly traveling in.

July 22, 2004 CORRECTION TO PROTESTANT PASTOR SHOT DEAD IN INDONESIA
We reported on July 20 that a teenage girl was shot dead along with Reverend Susianty Tinulele in church in Palu, capital of Central Sulawesi region, on Sunday July 18. Despite this being confirmed by several sources, we have since heard that the girl, Desrianti Tengkede, 17, who was shot through her right eye, was in fact in a coma. She is currently in a critical condition in intensive care in hospital in Surabaya . CSW apologizes for this inaccuracy and asks supporters to join with us in praying for Desrianti.

Reverend Susianty Tinulele, 26, was shot dead in the pulpit while leading the 6pm service of the Efatah Church in Palu, capital of Central Sulawesi region, on Sunday July 18.

Four masked men with machine guns and riding on two Yamaha motorcycles reportedly burst in to the church. One of them shot Rev Tinulele from the front door and two others started shooting at the congregation. Desrianti Tengkede, 17, was shot through her right eye and died later in a hospital.

A total of 11 members of the congregation were shot, four of whom were seriously wounded. Some sources suggest that these four men, possibly from Laskar Mujahadeen or another militant group, are the same men who were responsible for the assassination of Freddy Silalahi in May. Mr. Silalahi was one of the state prosecutors overseeing the trial of five members of Jemaah Islamiyah (a radical Islamist movement).

Brigadier General Taufik Ridha, head of Central Sulawesi Police, maintains the attacks are linked to the presidential campaign or are an attempt to reignite the sectarian conflict in the region.

This attack is the latest in a worrying new trend where militants are targeting Christian leaders and churches. Another Christian, Mrs. Helmy Tombiling, 35, was stabbed to death in front of her house in Poso city, Sulawesi , on July 17, according to the Crisis Center of North Sulawesi. Again the assailants were two masked men on a motorcycle with a Palu license plate.

The International Crisis Group (ICG) published a report in February 2004 detailing the extensive involvement of Jemaah Islamiyah and other militant groups in the region. The report also notes that systematic one-sided violence against overwhelmingly non-Muslim victims is continuing.

CSW visited the region in June and found genuine support and the wish for reconciliation at grassroots level. However, the situation remains tense and both communities were concerned about the presidential elections and the upcoming local Bupati (head of local administration) elections.

It was also evident that hard-line militants continue to dominate certain areas in Central Sulawesi and appear to be able to operate with relative impunity.

Little or no action has been taken to bring the perpetrators to justice. Often details and the whereabouts of these so-called unknown assailants are in fact known and in many instances there is also sufficient evidence for their arrest. What appears to be lacking is the political will, particularly at the regional level, to follow through with prosecutions.

Efatah Church is part of the GKST (Presbyterian Christian Church of Central Sulawesi ), the denomination of Reverend Rinaldy Damanik. He is the head of the Crisis Center of Central Sulawesi and was arrested in August 2002 on trumped up arms charges. It is believed he was arrested in a bid to stop him speaking out on human rights abuses in Central Sulawesi . He was sentenced to three years in prison in June last year. Rev Tinulele had visited Rev Damanik in prison on Friday.

Monsignor Mandagi, Catholic Bishop of the Maluku, has issued an SOS call to the international community as the death toll in Ambon City rises to at least 36, with more than 159 injured. In his written statement, the Bishop requested the international community to "safeguard the rights of the people of Ambon to live in security in this city. To urge the Indonesian Government, particularly the Central Government, to put an end as soon as possible to all mutual attacking between Muslim and Christian groups and all burning and destroying of houses and public facilities." He further requested "help in caring for the victims of this violence, especially the refugees whose number is increasing day by day. If the violence cannot be stopped, to help and evacuate those Ambon people that want to live in peace, to places outside Ambon, outside the Maluku or even outside Indonesia where they can live without fear or disturbance."

Monsignor Mandagi also encouraged prayer for the well-being of the people of Ambon. After a night of heavy fighting on April 29, which saw the Christian area of Batu Gantung (Kudamati) come under heavy attack by militants, yet more people were injured and displaced. The police attempted to stop the attack but were outnumbered and the army was reportedly nowhere to be seen.

The Indonesian army has reportedly focused on arresting a few members of the separatist Republic of South Maluku movement while ignoring the full-scale attacks, allowing militant extremists a free reign on the Maluku. Sources from the Maluku state that military commanders are not even responding to pleas from the local authorities to stop the violence.

Human rights experts fear that unless the Indonesian government takes firm action to stop the violence, there will be a repeat of the 1999 violence which left some 10,000 dead and half a million people displaced.

Jafar Umar Thalib, head of the militant Islamist group Laskar Jihad, is reported to have said he is planning to send more than 10,000 Laskar Jihad members to Ambon. "Preparations are unnecessary. They are already ready," he told reporters at a press conference. This announcement is the strongest indication yet that the violence on the Maluku has been orchestrated by outside elements. Despite its openly Islamist agenda, there is evidence that the actions of Laskar Jihad are directed by political and military leaders.

It is impossible to know who exactly is stage-managing the violence but some experts point to the forthcoming Indonesian presidential elections and the campaign of Presidential candidate General Wiranto. They suggest that violence could be used to undermine President Megawati's campaign and to promote the idea that stronger tactics are needed to resolve problems in Indonesia.

The violence seems to have begun after a ceremony was held in Ambon on April 25, 2004, the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence of the Republic of the South Maluku (Republik Maluku Selatan - RMS). The police intervened to try to stem the violence. When police escorted the demonstrators past the Pohon Puleh area, some Muslims from the crowd started throwing stones at them, which prompted police to open fire. According to the Jakarta-based Elshinta radio, some Muslim attackers then burned down the UNDP office and houses in Christian areas. Other sources say that the violence began after the injured were taken to the Al Fatah hospital in Ambon City.

Indonesian police rearrested the militant cleric, Abu Bakar Bashir, on suspicion of terrorism immediately after his release from a Jakarta jail. Police said they had new evidence to show he was a senior leader of the militant group Jemaah Islamiyah, blamed for the 2002 Bali bombings.

Regretfully, I write with grave news regarding the situation in Maluku, Indonesia.

Since Sunday Ambon city has been in flames and as you read this, many Christian areas are reportedly being attacked by the extremists. The Christian and Muslim leaders are working together to try to stop the violence but so far with little success.

Some 18 people are dead and over 100 have been injured in the second day of violence in Ambon, one of the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.

In one of the worst incidents, police were escorting 18 people including eight children and a pregnant woman through the harbor area of Ambon when they were attacked by extremists with machetes. Some are not expected to live and all are seriously wounded and in a critical condition in hospital. This is the worst outbreak of violence since the signing of the Malino peace agreement in 2002. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) office and the Christian theological university (UKIM) have been burned down. Silo Church, the main Protestant church in Ambon, which was nearly rebuilt from previous violence, was also set ablaze.

The Christian area in Mardika has been burned down and Christians have fled the Muslim area of Batu Merah. According to the Crisis Centre of Amboina (a human rights information centre), a full-scale attack has been launched against the Christian neighborhood of Batugantung and all Christians from there and Mangga Dua have fled the area. Reportedly no security forces were present in the area.

Trouble started after a small demonstration held by the supporters of the separatist Republic of South Maluku movement on April 25, marking the 54th anniversary of a failed independence bid.

When police escorted the demonstrators past the Pohon Puleh area, some Muslims from the crowd started throwing stones at them, which prompted police to open fire. According to the Jakarta-based Elshinta radio, some Muslim attackers then burned down the UNDP office and houses in Christian areas. Other sources say that the violence began after the injured were taken to the Al Fatah hospital in Ambon City.

One positive sign has been the co-operation between senior Muslim and Christian leaders who are working together to try to stop the violence. The leaders of both communities signed a Maluku reconciliation agreement in January 2004 to recommit themselves to the reconciliation and reconstruction of the Maluku and that commitment has held strong even in this difficult situation. However, only the Indonesian government can provide the necessary security to protect this fragile peace. Some 400 police personnel and an army battalion were reported to be imminently expected in the area.

Bishop Mandagi, Catholic Bishop of the Maluku, said: "We as Christians should not respond to provocation and should realise that violence is not the way to overcome the conflict. We should put our trust in the police and military to protect us."

The Maluku conflict, which began in 1999, has left some 10,000 dead and over half a million displaced.

Write to your Senator at U.S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510, or your Representative at U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515. (Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to find out your Congressperson’s name). Ask your Congressperson and Secretary Powell (address below) to:

* Take immediate measures to stop the violence and to provide for the safety and security of both communities

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Fax: (202) 261-8577
Phone: (202) 647-4000
Email: secretary@state.gov

2) You may also wish to write directly to the Indonesian Embassy raising the above mentioned issues.

His Excellency Soemadi Djoko Moerdjono Brotodiningrat
Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia
2020 Massachusetts
Avenue, NW
Washington DC 20036
Phone: (202) 775-5200
Fax: (202) 775-5365

Email: indonesia@dgs.dgsys.com

Some 18 people are dead and over 100 have been injured in the second day of violence in Ambon, one of the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.

This is the worst outbreak of violence since the signing of the Malino peace agreement in 2002. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) office and the Christian theological university (UKIM) have been burned down. Silo Church, the main Protestant church in Ambon, which was nearly rebuilt from previous violence, was also set ablaze.

The Christian area in Mardika has been burned down and Christians have fled the Muslim area of Batu Merah. According to the Crisis Centre of Amboina (a human rights information center), a full-scale attack has been launched against the Christian neighborhood of Batugantung and all Christians from there and Mangga Dua have fled the area. Reportedly no security forces were present in the area.

Trouble started after a small demonstration held by the supporters of the separatist Republic of South Maluku movement on April 25, marking the 54th anniversary of a failed independence bid.

Exact details of the incident are still emerging. Some witnesses spoke of snipers on the rooftops shooting at people, while others suggested that Christian and Muslim youths started throwing stones at each other and the violence escalated from there.

However, the extent and sudden escalation of violence suggest some coordination and planning. Experts from the area have suggested that the violence might be politically motivated and linked to the upcoming presidential elections in July. Extremists are also presented as the likely culprits particularly as the violence coincides with the renewed questioning of Abu Bakar Bashir, the ideological head of Jemaah Islamiyah, in connection with the Bali bombing.

One positive sign has been the cooperation between senior Muslim and Christian leaders who are working together to try to stop the violence. The leaders of both communities signed a Maluku reconciliation agreement in January 2004 to recommit themselves to the reconciliation and reconstruction of the Maluku and that commitment has held strong even in this difficult situation. However, only the Indonesian government can provide the necessary security to protect this fragile peace. Some 400 police personnel and an army battalion were reported to be imminently expected in the area.

Bishop Mandagi, Catholic Bishop of the Maluku, said: "Ordinary people do not want violence, but with the coming elections, political players and extremists have taken advantage of the situation. I hope that the central government in Jakarta will take firm action against the attackers and bring them to justice so that people know that law is upheld in Indonesia. Also, the security forces sent to the area should act in an impartial and professional manner.

"We as Christians should not respond to provocation and should realize that violence is not the way to overcome the conflict. We should put our trust in the police and military to protect us."

The Maluku conflict, which began in 1999, has left some 10,000 dead and over half a million displaced.

A church congregation was sprayed with bullets as they were singing hymns on Easter Saturday. Masked gunmen attacked Christians at the Tabernacle Church in Kilo village, Poso district, injuring seven Christians including a four-year girl.

The attack follows three recent incidents in which Christians have been shot. On March 30, Reverend Freddy Wuisan was shot dead by unknown attackers behind the Membuke Church in Poso Pesisir district on Sulawesi. Eyewitnesses reportedly saw two people driving away on a motorcycle.

Earlier that same day Rosia Pilongo, the Dean of the Law Department of Sintuwu Maroso University, was shot in the head by two people on a motorcycle. She was rushed to hospital and remains in a critical condition. Students and lecturers of the University suspended academic activities.

Snipers shot dead another Christian, Jhon Christian Tanalida, on March 27, close to Poso city.

Tensions have been rising in Central Sulawesi, an island in eastern Indonesia, since militants launched a large-scale attack against Christian villagers in October 2003. During this time there have been sporadic attacks and drive-by shootings targeting the Christian community.

In a report published in February 2004, the International Crisis Group (ICG) documented the extensive involvement of Jemaah Islamiyah and other militant groups in the Central Sulawesi conflict. They confirmed many observers' fears that the area remains a recruitment and training ground for extremists.

The Indonesian government has responded quickly to the latest incidents. There are already some 3,500 police and military personnel stationed in the region and additional security forces were sent to the areas where the attacks occurred. The police believe the earlier attacks were perpetrated by the same group of people. Whilst peace is clearly fragile, the government maintains the Malino peace agreement is still functioning in Central Sulawesi.

An imprisoned Indonesian minister, framed on charges of illegal weapons possession, has thanked supporters around the world for nearly 15,000 letters and cards.

Reverend Rinaldy Damanik, 44, has been an outspoken critic of the apparent lack of commitment by the police and government authorities to measures aimed at ending the violence. He has also been a key supporter of the reconciliation process and, as such, a hindrance to the activities of the Islamist militants largely held to be responsible for the sectarian violence in Maluku and Sulawesi.

His supporters are convinced he is in detention in a bid to silence him and to placate extremists who still have influential supporters in both the government and the military.

In June 2003 he was sentenced to three years imprisonment, a verdict his legal team is planning to appeal. CSW, along with many other charities around the world, asked supporters to contact Rev Damanik with messages of support.

He wrote: "My dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ, I would like to send my greetings personally to all of you, but I believe you understand my limitation being detained in prison.

"Thank you very much from the deep of my heart for your concerns, helps and supports in any ways, including the pressures to our government and especially through your prayers, sharing information, as well as financially.

"I personally thank you all very much. In short, there are no words which can express my feelings and thoughts. In the whole of my life now and in the future, I will never ever pay you personally directly, but I only can always pray that may God help and strengthen me to do my best in serving God through my service to others around me and every where, where ever, when ever I can.

"Up to now I have received 14,806 mails: letters, cards, photos, poems, paintings, including pens, note books, envelopes, chocolates, candies/sweets, and adhesive plasters from adults, teenagers and children from 36 countries.

"Although at the moment I am very bothered, sad, worried, as well as angry with what happened in Central Sulawesi and Indonesia in general, I still and will always praise God all the time in my life for everything I have been experiencing up to now.

"Being in this prison really makes me more realize the miracle of God, because I can understand more what God means by saying: "I will never leave you alone". I can see that there are many many people who suffer more than me. Please think and pray for them, too. Every day I'm sure that I will have something to eat, to wear and a place to sleep, but as you know many others don't have this privilege.

"I am not alone, I am in good condition. Don't worry too much about me, but please help me through our other sisters and brothers in Indonesia and all over the world who are in great need of help in many ways.

"To reach the dawn, one must pass the dark of night and one day definitely tears will become spring."

CSW is asking the international community to express its concern to the Indonesian government about his case. Whilst the Indonesian government in general is predominantly moderate and religious tolerance prevails in Indonesia, Rev Damanik's sentence regrettably highlights the gross difference in standards of justice given to members of different religious communities.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Rev Damanik is head of the Crisis Center of Central Sulawesi and was responsible for informing the international community of the attacks and human rights violations in the area. He was stopped by police in Peleru in Sulawesi while attempting to evacuate to safety Christians under attack from militants on August 17 2002.

The police allege they seized 14 weapons and ammunition from his car, but he was not arrested at the time nor informed of such a discovery.

A warrant for his arrest was issued on August 22. He was arrested on September 9 2002 in Jakarta. He was charged with violation of emergency law No. 12/1951, chapter 1 on prohibition of owning and controlling weapons or ammunition without permission.

On December 26 2002, Rev Damanik was given poisoned food whilst in police custody in Palu, thereby justifying concerns for his safety in the hands of the Central Sulawesi Police. According to the medical reports his food package contained rat poison. Fortunately, the attempt on his life was unsuccessful.

His arrest and trial have been plagued with human rights violations. Many of the testimonies from the police and military witnesses were contradictory and eyewitnesses admitted to being intimidated and abused. Some witnesses could not even agree on the type of vehicle Rev Damanik was allegedly traveling in.

September 19, 2003 Message of thanks from imprisoned Indonesian church leader

Dear Friends,

Last week we asked you to send encouraging emails to Rev Rinaldy Damanik, the unjustly imprisoned Indonesian Church leader. We have just had this encouraging email from friends of Reverend Damanik at the Crisis Center in Central Sulawesi:

"Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

I would like to inform you that we have managed to deliver to Rev Damanik all of your messages which come through my e-mail address. He sent his sincere greetings to you all, and he is thanking you all endlessly for your attention, concern, sympathy, support and care especially prayers for him, and his struggle, although most of you have not met him in person. He really appreciates for what you have done for him.

Rev Damanik said that he is really encouraged and strengthened by your expressions. 'I never stop praying to God Almighty. May God always bless you and may many people have the chance to experience what I am experiencing now: the joy and blessings from God which come through you all. I believe the world will be in peace if every body has the same heart and thoughts as yours. I cannot give you anything in return, but I can only pray and hope that may God enable me to do and give more for others to let them enjoy the joy I receive from God through you.'

So my dear sisters and brothers, together with Rev Damanik and his family, the team lawyers and the advocacy team, I thank you deeply. God bless you.

Yours in Christ with joy and hope,

Mona"

You can still email him at jfmonas@yahoo.com or write to him at Rev Damanik c/o Crisis Center, PO Box 1406, Manado 95111 SULUT, Indonesia.

You could also write to your Congressperson - see our letter-writing guide

Many thanks for all your support and prayers,

CSW Advocacy Team

September 15, 2003 Civil emergency status lifted from Maluku Islands of Indonesia

People on the Maluku Islands of Indonesia celebrated another step towards peace as the Indonesian government lifted the civil emergency status in the region.

The civil emergency status was put in place on June 27, 2002, in response to a spate of attacks by Laskar Jihad militants and to prevent the influx of foreign militants. The lifting of the emergency status took place at the inauguration of the newly-elected Governor, Karel Albert Ralahalu, and Vice-Governor M. Abdullah Latuconsina on September 15.

Under the civil emergency status, it became virtually impossible for foreigners and journalists to travel to the Maluku. However, it did allow local security officials to keep a tighter control on people arriving in the region and to respond rapidly to violent incidents.

The improved security made it possible for local Muslim and Christian leaders to focus on reconciliation efforts, and the situation has been steadily improving.

In the last few months there have been only a few minor incidents which can be attributed to the small number of militants still in the area. However, given that the investigation into the Bali bombing unearthed evidence of terrorists from Jemaah Islamiah and other organizations using the Maluku as a training and recruitment area, the authorities need to remain vigilant for any renewed militant activity.

CSW has been involved in the region since 1999, assisting Christians and communities facing violence and working with Muslims and Christians towards reconciliation. CSW has lobbied the Indonesian government to ensure a just and lasting peace and has also arranged interfaith delegations of Malukan leaders to lobby parliamentarians from the EU and Westminster. CSW supporters have funded local human rights groups to organize evacuations of Christians facing forced conversion to Islam.

Jacky Manuputty, Director of the Interfaith Council of the Maluku, said:
"This is the right moment to enjoy freedom from fear and to establish law and order. It is our opportunity to restore tolerance, trust and peace and to learn to forgive each other. On behalf of the people of the Maluku, I would like to thank everyone who has supported peace and justice for our islands. May God bless them all."

CSW's National Director Stuart Windsor added: "This is another positive step for the people of the Maluku Islands who have suffered so much in the last few years. Local people in their communities are desperate for peace to continue so they can rebuild their lives and homes. CSW will continue to work with local communities of both Christian and Muslim backgrounds and the Indonesian authorities to ensure this is a lasting peace."

For background pictures, more information or a telephone interview with Jacky Manuputty, please contact Richard Chilvers, communications manager, CSW-UK at 0 11 44 20 8329 0045 or email richard.chilvers@csw.org.uk or visit www.csw.org.uk

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The Maluku conflict, which began in 1999, has left some 10,000 dead and over half a million displaced. Many areas remain segregated along religious lines.

The elections for Governor and Vice-Governor of the Maluku Islands took place on August 16, 2003 and passed without any major incidents.

Karel Albert is a retired Brigadier General of the Army. At the start of the conflict in January 1999, he was the military chief commander in Ambon. He was highly regarded by members of both communities. However, he was moved to Jayapura (Papua) shortly afterwards.

Mohammad Abdullah Latuconsina is a retired economist. His last job was as head of the provincial Revenue Department (Dinas Pendapatan Daerah Maluku) from 1999 to 2001.

(Sources: Crisis Centre of Amboina, CSW)

September 11, 2003 Take action for imprisoned Indonesian church leader

Reverend Rinaldy Damanik, an Indonesian Church leader, was sentenced in June to three years for weapons possession after what many believe to have been a politically-motivated trial. On August 7th, the Palu High court rejected Reverend Damanik's appeal. He is now appealing to the Supreme Court in Jakarta which has accepted his case. CSW is cooperating with other organizations and launching a major lobbying campaign on his behalf specifically targeting the EU.

We are suggesting supporters could:

1. Pray for him
2. Write him a birthday card/letter for his 44th birthday on September 25th to show him he is not forgotten.
3. Write protest letters on his behalf to your Congressperson or the Secretary of State.

BACKGROUND:

Rev. Damanik has been an outspoken critic of the police and other government authorities' lack of commitment to stop the violence in the region. He has also been a key supporter of the reconciliation process and, as such, a hindrance to the activities of Islamist militants such as Laskar Jihad, who are largely held to be responsible for the sectarian violence in Maluku and Sulawesi. In his capacity as the head of the Crisis Center of Central Sulawesi, he was responsible for informing the international community of the attacks and human rights violations against the Christians in the region. The Crisis Center is the Protestant Church Body providing assistance to the IDP's, promoting reconciliation and reporting on human rights violations and the conflict in Central Sulawesi.

Rev. Damanik and his party were stopped by police on August 17, 2002, while attempting to evacuate Christians from Peleru village who were under attack by militants. The police allege they seized 14 weapons and ammunition from Rev. Damanik's car. He was not arrested at the time, nor was he informed of this 'discovery'. He was arrested on September 9, 2002, in Jakarta and charged with violation of emergency law No. 12/1951, chapter 1 on prohibition of owning and controlling weapons or ammunition without permission. His arrest and trial have been plagued with human rights violations. Many of the testimonies from the police and military witnesses were contradictory and eyewitnesses admitted to being intimidated and abused. Some witnesses could not even agree on the type of vehicle Rev. Damanik was allegedly traveling in.

While the Indonesian government in general is predominantly moderate and religious tolerance is respected in Indonesia, Rev. Damanik's sentence regrettably highlights the gross difference in standards of justice given to members of different religious communities particularly compared to the sentencing of leaders of known terrorist organizations:

* Abu Bakar Ba'ashier - ideological head of Jemaah Islamiah received a 4-year sentence on September 2.
* Jafar Umar Thalib - head of Laskar Jihad was acquitted in January.
* Habib Riziq - head of the FPI (a militant Islamist group) received a 7-month sentence.

PRAYER POINTS

Speaking from the prison following his verdict Rev. Damanik said:. "Thank you for everyone who has prayed for me. I really felt the power of your prayers in prison and they strengthened my faith and gave me strength. I also want to thank all those who wrote to me. They really brought light into my life."

He asked for the following prayer points
* Continued prayer during the crucial appeal process.
* For people to pray not just for him but also for others such as Internally Displaced Persons who were suffering more than he was.
* For the church and strength for those facing injustice worldwide. Please also pray for a swift and successful appeal process.

ACTION

1. Please consider writing a birthday card or general letter of encouragement to Rev. Damanik. Please do keep in mind that these will probably be opened by prison authorities.

You can write to him directly:

Pdt. R. Damanik
M.Si. c/o Rumah Tahanan Maesa Palu
Jl. Bali No. 1, Palu
Sulawesi Tengah
Indonesia.

Alternatively, you can write to him via the Crisis Center:

Rev. Damanik c/o Crisis Center
P.O. Box 1406
Manado 95111 SULUT,
Indonesia

Or email via the Crisis centre on jfmonas@yahoo.com

2. Please consider raising Rev. Damanik's case with:

a) Your representative in Congress (Call the Capitol Hill Switchboard at 202.224.3121 to find out your Congressperson's name; Write to your Senator at US Senate, Washington, DC 20510; Write to your Representative at US House of Representatives, Washington, DC 20515) Letter-writing guide

b) Secretary of State:

Secretary of State Colin L. Powell
U.S. Department of State
2201 C Street NW
Washington, DC 20520
Fax: (202) 261-8577
Phone: (202) 647-4000
Email: secretary@state.gov

            * Calling for Rev. Damanik's release

            * Urging the government to ensure that law enforcement and the judicial system in Indonesia are even-handed and that, specifically,
              Christians and other minority faiths are not discriminated against due to their religion.

-------------------------------

June 16 2003 Indonesian Church Leader Gets Three Years for Weapons Possession in Politically-Motivated Trial

Reverend Rinaldy Damanik, an Indonesian Church leader, was sentenced on June 16, to three years' imprisonment for illegal weapons possession in what is believed to be a politically-motivated trial.

His arrest and trial has been plagued with human rights violations. Many of the testimonies from the police and military witnesses were contradictory and eyewitnesses admitted to being intimidated and abused. Some witnesses could not even agree on the type of vehicle Rev. Damanik was allegedly traveling in.

The verdict will take into account the nine months he has already spent in prison in Palu, Central Sulawesi.

Rev Damanik, speaking to CSW from prison on June 16, expressed his disappointment with the verdict. However he added he was not surprised given the difficulties with the judicial system in Indonesia and was even able to express gratitude that he has an opportunity to appeal.

He is now preparing for his appeal which will have to be lodged in seven days and can take anything from a month to more than six months to process.

Rev Damanik said: "Thank you for everyone who has prayed for me. I really felt the power of your prayers in prison and they strengthened my faith and gave me strength. I also want to thank all those who wrote to me. They really brought light into my life. I would like to write back to each and everyone who wrote to me."

He asked for continued prayer during the crucial appeal process, but also characteristically asked for people to pray not just for him but also for others such as Internally Displaced Persons who were suffering more than he was. He also asked for prayer for the church and strength for those facing injustice worldwide.

He received more than 1,000 letters from around the world and would greatly appreciate further letters.

CSW is asking the international community to express its concern to the Indonesian government. Whilst the Indonesian government in general is predominantly moderate and religious tolerance is respected in Indonesia, Rev Damanik's sentence regrettably highlights the gross difference in standards of justice given to members of different religious communities.

For example, Jafar Umar Thalib, the leader of the militant Laskar Jihad organisation, was acquitted on January 30 despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Mr Thalib called for 'holy war' against Christians in Indonesia and threatened the President and the Vice-President in April 2002. He was released from detention shortly after being arrested.

Baroness Caroline Cox, President of CSW UK, visited Palu in Central Sulawesi earlier this year where she met Rev Damanik in prison and attended the court while he was giving evidence in his defense. She said: "I very much hope that justice will be done and will be seen to be done for Reverend Damanik in order to demonstrate Indonesia's commitment to impartial justice for all citizens and due process of law, which are essential characteristics of civil society.

"The widely recognized inconsistencies in the case for the prosecution cast grave doubts on the appropriateness of the verdict and sentence in the minds of many independent observers and it is hoped that these will be taken into account should an appeal be launched."

REV DAMANIK'S ADDRESS:

Pdt. R. Damanik,
M.Si c/o Ruman Tahanan Maesa
Palu, Jl. Bali Palu,
Sulawesi Tengah,
Indonesia.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

Reverend Rinaldy Damanik, 43, is head of the Crisis Centre of Central Sulawesi and was responsible for informing the international community of the attacks and human rights violations in the area. He was stopped by police in Peleru in Sulawesi while attempting to evacuate to safety Christians under attack from militants on August 17 2002.

The police allege they seized 14 weapons and ammunition from his car, but he was not arrested at the time nor informed of such a discovery.

A warrant for his arrest was issued on August 22. He was arrested on September 9 2002 in Jakarta. He was charged with violation of emergency law No. 12/1951, chapter 1 on prohibition of owning and controlling weapons or ammunition without permission. Punishment for this crime ranges from 12 years' imprisonment to the death penalty.

Rev Damanik was held in detention for nearly four months at the National Police HQ in Jakarta. The case was initially rejected three times by the Central Sulawesi High Court due to insufficient evidence. It was finally accepted after an eyewitness testimony reportedly obtained through torture.

On December 26 2002, Rev Damanik was given poisoned food whilst in police custody in Palu, thereby justifying concerns for his safety in the hands of the Central Sulawesi Police. According to the medical reports his food package contained rat poison. Fortunately, the attempt on his life was unsuccessful.

The trial started on February 3.

He has been an outspoken critic of the police and government authorities' lack of commitment to stop the violence in the region. He has also been a key supporter of the reconciliation process and, as such, a hindrance to the activities of the Islamist militants, such as Laskar Jihad, largely held to be responsible for the sectarian violence in Maluku and Sulawesi.

His supporters are convinced he is in detention in a bid to silence him and to placate extremists who still have influential supporters in both the government and the military.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 26, 2002 Indonesian Pastor Poisoned While in Police Custody

International Christian Concern

The Washington-DC based human rights group, International Christian Concern, learned on December 26th that Indonesian pastor Rev. Rinaldy Damanik received poisoned food while in police custody in Palu, Central Sulawesi. Rev. Damanik had been suddenly transferred from a detention center in Jakarta to Palu on December 22nd without any prior notification to his attorneys, according to a reliable source in the region. After becoming ill, Damanik was taken to a hospital, which confirmed that his food had been poisoned. Friends and supporters of Rev. Damanik are requesting that Damanik be moved back to Jakarta for his personal safety.

Rev. Damanik was originally arrested on September 9, 2002 in Jakarta and was accused of carrying weapons in the back of a car. Damanik was also accused of instigating violent attacks in Central Sulawesi this past August. To date investigators have not been able to produce any evidence of Damanik's supposed crimes, yet his detention has been extended three times, most recently from December 9, 2002 until January 8, 2003. The Central Sulawesi High Court has thus far refused to hear Damanik's case because of a lack of evidence. However, pressure from Islamic extremist groups has resulted in continued imprisonment and Indonesia watchers believe Rev. Damanik will be sentenced regardless of his innocence.

International Christian Concern calls for the immediate release of Rev. Damanik as well as a public apology for wrongful imprisonment. ICC also calls on the Indonesian government to thoroughly investigate the poisoning of Damanik's food and punish those responsible.

Letters of advocacy on behalf of Rev. Damanik may be written to the Indonesian Embassy at the following address:

Ambassador Soemadi D.M. Brotodiningrat
Embassy of Indonesia
2020 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20036
E-mail: indonsia@dgs.dgsys.com
Fax: 202-775-5365

August 13, 2002 POSO A SEA OF FIRE: Indonesian military incapable of quenching the flames

International Christian Concern

Joko Harmono, Jakarta, Indonesia - After a week of terror at the hands of the Laskar Jihad, the Christians are bathing in a sea of fire.

This is bringing to pass the prophetic announcement pre-recorded message broadcast on Radio SPMM Ambon on July 5, 2002, and distributed by email print-out from the Laskar Jihad Information site in mid-July 2002. The Supreme Commander of the Laskar Jihad Ustadz Jafar Umar Thalib, using the same language used in his radio address in Ambon on May 1, 2002, called on the Muslim community to go to war against the Christian community:

“Prepare the bombs which we have. Prepare the ammunition which we are ready to vomit forth from the barrels of the weapons we possess. And we swear by Allah! By Allah! By Allah! Until Tentena and surroundings become a sea of fire.”

The vision is clear and their commitment to bring it to pass is unquestioned. They are willing, and often eager, to die for their faith because of what they have been promised by their faith. To die as a martyr in the battle while killing Christians or Jews brings the highest rewards – immediate entrance to Paradise with 72 eternally beautiful virgins, land as far as the eye can sea, alcohol that doesn’t make you drunk and music such as has never been heard on earth. When the alternative is living in poverty, dying of starvation and no prospect of employment, then the option to join the jihad looks very attractive indeed. What makes it even more attractive is that they are paid, are allowed to claim the booty of war, and if they die, their family will be well looked after by the local mosque.

What a great way to die! Adventure! Honor! Wealth! Security! Purpose! Salvation! Eternal sex! Wow!

Since Ustadz Jafar Umar Thalib’s Declaration of War the fires have been lit, fanned and now run wild like an uncontrollable forest fire.

In the past 8 months violations of the Malino Peace Accord signed last December to end three years of conflict have steadily increased numerically and in their intensity. These were still small-scale fires, but the match was lit and the fire was not quenched.

In the last two weeks, the fire has burst into a full-scale sea of fire. Murders and attacks in Mayoa to the south of Tentena. The razing to the ground of the villages of Matako, Betania-Malitu, Sepe and Silanca, the torture and massacre of Christians pulled from public buses and private vehicles has left a trail of blood in recent days, and the fire rages on.

The Promise of the Malino Peace Treaty

Malino breathed hope into the hearts of the Christian community, that maybe at last the persecution and brutal attacks would cease. But within two weeks 5 churches in the capital of the Province, Palu, were bombed on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (2001-2002). The accused mastermind, one of the Muslim signatories to the Malino Accord, was arrested.

At Malino the Government made a commitment to arrest and process every case violating the Peace Accord. Every violation would be treated as a criminal case and dealt with firmly according to the law. But what has happened? Christian buses get blown up. Christian villages get looted, then burned to the ground. Christians in vehicles get pulled out, tortured and slain. Foreign tourists get murdered. And no-one gets arrested. “Unidentified people” are accused. Cabinet Minister Yusuf Kalla, as reported in The Jakarta Post, Sunday August 11, stated that it can’t be radical Muslims doing it as “it is not their style.” He further elaborated that it wasn’t locals either. Well, who is it?

How can there be a restoration of peace and security if there is no enforcement of law and order?

Why can’t this terror be stopped?

There are two realistic possible options.

1. There is a grand conspiracy

One theory for the ongoing conflict and the inability of the government, the military and the police to stop the terror is the conspiracy option. On August 11, before the latest attacks on Sepe and Silanca I commented on this possible option in an article called Christian Villages Terrorized: Military Secretly Withdrawn. In that article I commented on the reporting of The Jakarta Post :

The daily newspaper The Jakarta Post today, Sunday August 11, quoted a statement by the Minister for Health & Social Welfare, that he doubted the shooting of the Italian Lorenzo Taddei in Mayoa, the district of Poso, on Thursday evening, was carried out by a militant Muslim group because, "It is not their style". The report from The Jakarta Post continued with a statement from the Minister which said that the murderers were not people from Central Sulawesi. “This is terror that is coming from outside the Province”, he explained.

If the perpetrators are not Jihad or from militant Islamic groups, if they are not people from Central Sulawesi, if they are terrorists from outside of Central Sulawesi, then who are they? We need to know!

To say that “this is not their style” in connection with the Jihad, is startling! Last year, seven times, Christian buses were attacked, bombed and shot at. This year already five times Christian buses have been shot at or bombed. So, whose “style” is this? Truly the statement of Minister Yusuf Kalla is very disappointing. Is he only defending his friends of the same religion or is he really seeking the truth?

I further commented on a quoted statement by the Military Commander Wirabuana Maj. Gen. Amirul Isnaini in Makassar, South Sulawesi:

The Jakarta Post yesterday, Saturday (10/8) quoted the former head of the Special Military Forces who is now the Commander of Wirabuana in Makassar, South Sulawesi, saying that there are about 50 foreigners who live in Poso using tourist visas and they are there with “reasons that are unclear”.

This statement is very provocative and is used by the jihad to justify their presence in Poso, for the sake of the defense of the Poso Muslims. Are there two armies in our nation? The Laskar Jihad and the Indonesian Army? Where are the 50 foreigners? Who are they? Please, Gen. Isnaini, please tell us! We need to know!

Investigations in the area shows that occasionally there are foreign tourists who come to Tentena from Toraja or other cities. Sometimes they come in groups of two, sometimes more. But 50! The hotels in Tentena would be overrun if that many people came all at the one time. And if they did come, shouldn’t it be something quite normal? Tentena, together with Toraja, is promoted overseas as a tourist destination and the government always reports to investors and overseas governments that peace has been restored. Don’t we have the Malino Agreement and haven’t the military guaranteed peace and safety? Is it not only right that tourists should come here? Or should we tell the world, “Don’t come to Indonesia. It’s not safe!”

Two days in a row The Jakarta Post has carried these very provocative news reports. What is their agenda? Is there a conspiracy in the Government, for example, between the Minister for Health & Social Welfare Yusuf Kalla and the Indonesian Army, or perhaps with Major General Amirul Isnaini to purposely provide news that creates an impression that it is not the jihad terrorists that have killed the Italian tourist and even providing news that leads to the impression that maybe it is the foreigners, the tourists, not the local people, not the Muslim militants who are behind the terror that is taking place in Poso recently. This is too much!

Then in a third quote by the same newspaper they quote the Chief of Staff of the Indonesian Army, Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu to indicate that foreign tourists could be involved in the Poso conflict questioning the presence of the slain Italian tourist, adding, “It is not clear if Lorenzo was one of these foreigners.”

This sort of reporting makes the Christian community very uncomfortable and suspicious as though there is a grand design between certain elements of the Press, the Military and the Government to form public opinion against the Christians in support of the agenda of the Islamic radicals rampaging out of control in our country. Is there another option?

2. The security forces are incapable of quenching the flames

This second option questions whether the Indonesian security forces are just totally incapable or are so compromised that they are unable to provide and guarantee security.

Are the intelligence branches of the security forces just lacking in intelligence or do they face a real crisis of compromised faith?

I want to give the security forces the benefit of the doubt. I don’t want to raise the option of corruption on a wide-scale and using the suffering of the people as an opportunity to make money on the black market. There maybe a few like that, but I can’t believe that the security forces are that greedy. I believe that they are sincere and they love the country. But are they compromised by their faith?

During the Soeharto years and the running of the P4 program which instilled devoutness of faith in every citizen as a part of commitment to the national philosophy of Pancasila and Unity in Diversity.

Every member of the security forces has to be committed to his or her faith. Since 85% of the security forces are Muslims, they are taught to be faithful to their religion and their country.

Then a conflict occurs, for example, in Ambon or Poso, where there are strong religious elements involved. A jihad is declared. What can be done by these Muslims who are in the security forces? Jihad, in its various forms, is a valid part of their faith. To fight against fellow Muslims on a jihad is to fight against Allah. If one becomes the enemy of Allah then there is no possibility of salvation and one is condemned to the fires of hell for all eternity.

Minimally, these Muslim members of the security forces are compromised. Do they love Indonesia? Yes, they do. Do they support the national philosophy and commitment to unity in diversity? Yes, they do. But they don’t want to burn in eternal torment in the fires of hell the Al Qu’ran and The Haddiths promises to all who fight against jihad. So they withdraw. They will not fight the jihad forces marching on a Christian village. The Christians are left to resist automatic weapons with bamboo sticks, stones and machete knives.

Unfortunately, the minimum for some is not sufficient. They too get caught up in the call to jihad and the promised guarantees of eternal life and pleasure for them and their families. To win is glory and to die in a jihad is even more glorious. That’s why so many members of the security forces have been so actively involved in the massacres against the Christians.

Are they just plain evil people? No! At least not any more than any other human being of any religious faith. They are just compromised or captivated by the teachings of their faith.

What is the solution? I would like to suggest two possibilities.

Firstly, our Government must bring an understanding to the security forces that these attacks and massacres are criminal acts that endanger the stability and future of the nation. All criminal acts must be dealt with by law, whatever their religious faith and whatever their social or political position. The current activities are not just anti-Christian, they are anti-Indonesia. It threatens the economic recovery. It prolongs the suffering of the poor. It makes our country a laughing stock among the nations.

Our country and its constitution guarantees freedom of religion and tolerance of the beliefs of others. We support the principles of Human Rights and Freedom of Choice for all.

If we are to live as a civilized society in the community of nations, the security forces must see that standing up against jihad terrorism is not anti-Allah, but anti-terrorism and anti-evil.

If the security forces cannot accept that then it proves that they are so totally compromised that they have become unable and unwilling to be a truly Indonesian Defense Force but instead have become an Islamic Defense Force. Which is it to be?

The second possibility is that the Government recognizes the innate weakness of the security forces (military and police) to carry out their national duties in a religious conflict and to look for an international partner to assist them.

Does this bring shame on Indonesia? No way! It just recognizes like any mature person, family or nation, that we live in an international community and that sometimes we need some friends to help us through a difficult time. This is just such a difficult time.

Let us not let the innocents suffer any longer. Let’s get real. Let’s invite the UN to be a partner with us. There is no shame in this. In fact the world community will praise us for our maturity and commitment to resolving a very complex problem. It is time for us to grow up as a nation. Under Sukarno we were infants. Under Soeharto we were wild teenagers. But now – it is time for us to be adults and join the world community.

June 5, 2002 Violent conflict has erupted again in the Moluccas Islands in Indonesia

The violence follows the arrival of Jafar Umar Thalib, the leader of the militant Laskar Jihad organization. Mr. Thalib held a Tabliq Akbar (religious speech) on April 26 calling for war against the Christian separatists. Two days after this the Christian village of Soya was attacked by militants leaving at least 12 dead (including two children) and 11 injured. Christian leaders issued an urgent plea for help to the international community. Since then, there have been several violent attacks by militants targeting not only Christian communities but also Muslims supporting reconciliation.

Fortunately, the Moluccan Muslim and Christian communities have refused to rise to the provocation. In a show of unity religious leaders and representatives of the regional parliament and the city council have traveled to Jakarta together to call for the Indonesian government to take strong measures on law enforcement and security in the region and to immediately arrest those inciting violence in the region. For the first time, Moluccan Muslim leaders have called publicly for Jafar Umar Thalib's arrest.

Mr. Thalib was arrested on May 4 at Surabaya airport on his return from Ambon. [Please see translation of parts of Mr. Thalib's speech below.] The authorities are charging him under article 160 (incitement to crime/agitation) and article 134 (defamation of the President) of the Criminal Code. Both charges relate to Mr. Thalib's inflammatory speech, of which there is video and taped evidence, and the subsequent attack on Soya village. Article 160 carries a maximum sentence of 6 years and article 134 a sentence of 8 years imprisonment. The minimum sentence is a fine of some 4500 rupiah (about 50 cents).

Whilst the Indonesian authorities ought to be commended for the arrest, it is noteworthy that Mr. Thalib was arrested exactly one year ago and then released after 11 days in detention to freely continue his activities. It is crucial that Jafar Umar Thalib's arrest leads to a conviction this time. There are grave concerns that he might be released following protests from leading Islamists and violent attacks by his supporters in Ambon who launched mortar attacks on the Christian communities over the weekend killing two people and injuring at least 12. Laskar Jihad enjoys high-level support from members of the political elite and the military, including the Vice- President Hamzah Haz.

The international community has a crucial role to play in urging the Indonesian government to implement the necessary law enforcement and security measures for the peace process to succeed as well as assisting with rehabilitation and rebuilding in the region. This is the last chance for the people of Moluccas to stop the violence.

There will be an EU-Indonesia meeting in Madrid on June 6, 2002. Please pray for all who participate in this event and consider sending a fax to the Spanish Foreign Minister today (number provided below) asking him to raise some of the attached recommendations with the Indonesian authorities.

Thank you for your support

RECOMMENDATIONS

TO THE INDONESIAN GOVERNMENT
1. President Megawati should adopt the Malino II Agreement as a presidential decree.
2. To take immediate measures to arrest and prosecute Jafar Umar Thalib for violating clauses four and five of Malino Agreement to which the Indonesian government is a signatory.
3. To take immediate legal measures against groups and/or individuals making inflammatory statements and inciting violence against and hatred of ethnic and religious groups.
4. To take immediate measures to dismantle the Laskar Jihad terrorist organization widely held responsible for the majority of the violence in Moluccas since its arrival in the region in May 2000.
5. To take all necessary measures to ensure that the security and law enforcement provisions of Malino II are fulfilled.
6. To ensure that any security and law enforcement measures taken are even-handed and non-discriminatory.
7. To investigate and bring to justice as a matter of urgency the perpetrators behind the attacks on Soya village, the burning of the Silo church, the bomb attack on April 3 and the attacks on Muslim and Christian demonstrators on March 2.
8. To ensure that military and police units stationed in the Moluccas act in a professional and impartial manner.
9. To deploy the Joint Battalion (Yon Gab) or similar elite units in the Moluccas as a matter of urgency.
10. As a matter of urgency to establish a national investigation team composed of representatives from both Christian and Muslim communities, local NGO's and other independent organizations as discussed during the Malino meeting.

TO THE EUROPEAN UNION

SECURITY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT
1) To urge the Indonesian government to ensure that the provisions of Malino II are fulfilled in the timeframe agreed by the government and the parties concerned.
2) To urge the Indonesian government to ensure that any security and law enforcement measures taken are even-handed and non-discriminatory.
3) To urge the Indonesian government to take swift action against those groups and/or individuals (such as Mr. Atamimi, Jafar Umar Thalib, Laskar Jihad, associated groups and local front organizations) making inflammatory statements and inciting violence against and hatred of ethnic and religious groups.
4) To urge the Indonesian government to dismantle the Laskar Jihad terrorist organization
5) An international monitoring team should be sent to the area as a matter of urgency to investigate the current situation and to explore ways in which the international community can provide assistance where necessary.
6) To continue supporting the Indonesian government in reforming the security sector through sharing of expertise and training.
7) To explore ways in which the international community can assist the National Investigation Team.

ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE
1) To invest adequately in programs of reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction.
2) To strengthen Indonesian law enforcement and judiciary structures through international expertise and financial assistance.
3) To ensure accountability for any financial assistance or humanitarian aid sent to the area.

CONTACT DETAILS:

Mr. Josep Piqué I Camps
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Spanish Foreign Ministry
Plaza Marques de Salamanca
8 Madrid
SPAIN

Tel: +34 - 91 366 68 09/91 379 95 03
Fax: +34 91 435 24 25/91 366 7076

You may wish to write to your Congressperson asking them to write to the following Indonesian authorities regarding this matter:

Her Excellency Megawati Sukarnoputri
President of the Republic of Indonesia
Office of the President
Istana Merdeka
Jakarta 10110
Indonesia
Tel: 62-21-331097, 333262
Faxes: +62 21-345 7782; Telexes: 44283 BIGRA IA / 44469 DEPLU IA
E-mails: presiden@ri.go.id

Hamzah Haz
Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia,
Istana Wakil President,
Jalan Merdeka Selatan 6,
Jakarta 10110,
Indonesia.
Ph: + 62-21-381-3969 or 381-3539
Fax: + 62-21-345-2685

Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono
Co-Ordinating Minister for Security and Political Affairs
Menteri Koordinator Bidang Politik dan Keamanan
Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 15
Jakarta Pusat 10110
Indonesia
Fax: +62 21 345 1064 / 345 0918 / 344 1751

Prof. Dr. Yusril Ihza Mahendra,
Minister for Justice and Human Rights,
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav. 6-7, Kuningan,
Jakarta Selatan,
Indonesia.
Fax: +62 21 5253095/310 4149/5225036.

and to diplomatic representatives of Indonesia accredited to your country.

A Declaration of War: Is America Listening?

(Washington, DC - May 15, 2002) Below are excerpts from the translation of a radio broadcast on Radio SPMM (The voice of struggle of the Maluku Muslims) from Commander of the Laskar Jihad Ahlus Sunnah wal Jama'ah Ustadzjaf'ar Umar Thalib that was aired on May 1-3, 2002.

My beloved Muslim community whom I love and I honor. Leaders of Islam, priests of mosques, society leaders and all of the Muslim community, wherever you may be when you hear the call which I am declaring. We give thanks to Allah Subhaanahu wa Ta'ala who has chosen us as His army. The army of God has the responsibility to go to war, even as God commanded: Su 2:216 Fighting is prescribed for you, and ye dislike it. But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not. Thus has God revealed the responsibility for going to war to us as the armies of God.

Muslims whom I love and honor. For those of us who are still hesitant about going to war, listen to the advice from God about how we must carry out our mission of war. Allah has reminded us: Su 4:75 And why should ye not fight in the cause of Allah and of those who, being weak, are ill-treated (and oppressed)? --Men, women, and children, whose cry is: "Our Lord! Rescue us from this town, whose people are oppressors; and raise for us from Thee one who will protect; and raise for us from Thee one who will help!"

SPMM radio audience whom I love and honor. What laws exist in this world which are able to stand against the laws of God when God says that we are responsible to go to war to defend those who are persecuted, who are unable to defend themselves? And what laws in this world are able to prohibit the religion responsibility which declares the command of God, Su 8:72 if they seek your aid in religion, it is your duty to help them, Therefore I stress, all laws and regulations which are in contradiction to the word of God are null and void.

Therefore, I have ordered every Jihad soldier in the Ahlussunnah Wal Jama'ah to write out their wills and prepare themselves to welcome their fate as martyrs. Get out all your weapons. Because of the busyness of this war, I am forced to announce to the Muslims that the activities of the SDIP, TKIP and TPQ (schools) are for the present on holiday in order to prepare themselves to get ready for this civil war. And to the medical forces, may they prepare themselves for all possibilities to be ready to serve those who are wounded in the battle.

To the Muslims I counsel that they unite their ranks and prepare themselves in facing the opposition of the people towards the betrayal of the state and the nation. We all serve Allah, reject all forms of sweeping and the like. We are prepared to confront tanks and the like. We are even ready to face fighter planes and helicopters. We do not care. All of this is a warning to the world.

You listen to this. Woe to the pawns of America. You listen to this. Woe to the pawns of the World Church council. You listen to this. Woe to the pawns of the Zionist Crusaders. You listen to this. Woe to the Jews and the Christians. We the Muslim people invite the army of America to prove their strength here in Maluku. Let us fight to the bitter end. Let us prove for the umpteenth time that the Muslim people cannot be defeated by the physical strength which is always boasted about.

The events of the second Afghanistan will take place in Maluku when you are determined to carry out your threats. Woe to America. Now you! Woe to America who is now suffering various defeats, various awesome beatings in Afghanistan. Let us meet like men on the battlefield. We will pass down to our grandchildren the spirit of battle because we have been raised up God as His armies. And we hope Allah includes us among His servants who receive of His mercy and His servants who uphold the honor of His religion.

Therefore, increase your devotion, increase your repentance, increase your prayers to Allah and increase your good deeds of obedience to Allah in the process of receiving the blessing of Allah, so that we will gain the victory through Allah. Until we meet on the battle field! Allkahu Akbar!!!

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June 5, 2002 Terrorist and suicide bombings of buses in Israel frequently are reported by the foreign press, but rarely such acts of terrorism in Indonesia are reported

Today, in route to Tentena, South Sulawesi Island, an Antariksa bus in route from the island's southern capital city of Palu to Tentena was blown apart by a bomb that had been planted under a seat in the bus. Two of the company's buses were traveling together, when at the town of Toini, about 5 miles from the city of Poso, the first bus with about 45 passengers on board was ripped apart by one of two bombs planted on the bus. All 45 passengers targeted by the unknown terrorists were Christians. No one has yet claimed responsibility for the bombing.

The second bus left the scene without incident and immediately went to Poso to report the bombing to the police. According to the police, two bombs were placed in the bus, but the one placed in the front, near the driver, failed to explode. Only the bomb located under the second seat from the rear of the bus exploded. It was reported that the bomb had to have been rather large to have torn off the right and left walls of the bus, as well as the roof and the floor.

Four people were confirmed dead at the scene, two men, one a Pentecostal pastor from Palu, and the second from Watuauw village, near Tentena, and two women. The body of one of the women was so badly mutilated that she could not be identified. A total of 17 were injured, two last report to be in critical condition, including a mother and her child.

As the result of a peace agreement between Muslims and Christians, the final withdrawal of Indonesian military troops in Central Sulawesi is underway, with the final withdrawal of the remaining troops to be completed by June 12.

Replacing the military will be approximately 400 police or BRIMOB officers from the city of Manado, North Sulawesi province. With Muslim terrorist groups such as the Laskar Jihad having refused to honor the peace imitative, and having come from outside the area, they still remain a present danger to the Christians in the region.

The situation in Tentena, where tens of thousands of Christians have already fled after their villages were destroyed by raiding Muslim jihad forces, is once again tense. The mostly Christian population is bracing for more attacks. Muslim jihad checkpoints are once again in place and are controlling all traffic in and out of Tentena.

International Christian Concern (ICC) is a Washington, DC based human rights organization. For more information, contact
ICC at: (301) 989-1708.

At least 12 people, including a baby, have been killed in a pre-dawn attack on a Christian village on Ambon Island in Indonesia.

Militants went from door to door, bursting into houses and stabbing and shooting those inside during the attack at 3.45am on Sunday morning at Soya, five kilometers outside Ambon City.

A further 11 people were seriously injured during the incident which happened during a power cut.

An eyewitness, Yoke Wattimura, told Antara, the Indonesian state news agency: “Some of them wore black uniform and others were clad in Indonesian military uniforms, equipped with standard M-16 rifles and bayonets attached. They knocked on bedroom’s window before brutally opening fire.”

The militants left before the break of dawn at 5am after setting fire to up to 30 buildings and a nineteenth century Protestant church.

Tension has been building on the island prior to Thursday April 25, the 52nd anniversary of the founding a separatist movement known as the Republic of South Maluku (RMS).

Silo church, the biggest Protestant church on the Moluccas, was burned on Thursday during a demonstration of some 1,000 Muslims led by the militant Islamist terrorist organization, Laskar Jihad. The crowd was protesting against the raising of RMS flags in the city and six bombs were set off in Ambon on that day.

The following day, Jafar Umar Thalib, head of Laskar Jihad, reportedly told a crowd of some 5,000 Muslims at the Al-Fatah Mosque in Ambon City that the Malino Peace Agreement was treason. CNN quoted him as saying: “Our focus now must be preparing for war – ready your guns, spears and daggers.”

This latest attack is the worst since the Malino Peace Agreement was signed in February 2002 and followed a similar pattern to previous attacks organized by Laskar Jihad.

Similar features include: attacking in the early hours of the morning during a power cut; the attackers wearing military uniforms and black masks; going from house to house and knocking on doors and then stabbing or shooting those inside.

The Crisis Center of Amboina, a human rights information center, reported that survivors heard Javanese accents. The Laskar Jihad movement is primarily based in Java.

Father Bohm of the center said: “It may be the end of the peace deal. There is no doubt that it was the Laskar Jihad behind Sunday’s attack in Ambon.”

Islamist militants have tried to exaggerate the RMS’s support in the Moluccas to justify their presence in the region as ‘defenders of the national sovereignty of Indonesia’. Experts believe that the RMS has no more than 100-200 supporters while Laskar Jihad has some 3,000 armed militants in the region.

CSW has repeatedly called on the Indonesian government to remove Laskar Jihad militants from the region as reconciliation cannot succeed while armed militant organizations are able to promote violence with impunity.

CSW calls on the Indonesian government to arrest Jafar Umar Thalib and others who are in direct violation of clauses four and five of the Malino agreement (see below) and to arrest those responsible for violence or inflammatory statements which provoke further conflict.

In addition CSW calls on the government to bring to justice those behind the attack on Soya, the bomb attack on April 3 and the attacks on peaceful demonstrators on March 2.

CSW is briefing parliamentarians and governments on the situation, including the European Parliament delegation currently visiting Jakarta, as well as asking those concerned to contact their MP and MEPs.

Rev Stuart Windsor, National Director of Christian Solidarity Worldwide, said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have lost loved ones in this terrible attack.

“At a time of increased tension in the Moluccas, we continue to call on the Indonesian government to protect all its citizens from violence and to put adequate security measures in place.

“It is vital that this peace agreement does not fall apart and cost yet more in terms of human suffering simply because of insufficient action to clamp down on those responsible for sti