News, Reports & Other Information
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News Updates
- 1. The tale of two trials
- 2. IFC ministry team facing new pressures and hardships
- 3. Refugees feeling vulnerable in their 'refuge'.
- 4. Watching Papua
An updated report on the Rev Rinaldy Damanik
Articles
Duma, Indonesia, Emerges from Tragedy - Refugees Rebuild Their Lives in the Maluku Islands
Refugees of Maluku and North Maluku and their Problems: This 'Lobbying Material', was prepared for the Session of UN Commission for Human Rights in April 2003. It contains detailed accounts of how the continuing situation facing refugees is contributing to a range of social difficulties among the refugees and their host populations
Poso - A Sea of Fire: "What is behind the Jihad attacks on Poso and surrounds in August 2002 and what needs to be done to bring things under control. Joko Harmono examines these questions"
'Who are the real terrorists in Indonesia'
Rev John Barr, Nov 7, 2002. In the wake of the Bali bombing and the Indonesian government's resolve to tighten anti-terrorism laws, innocent people may find themselves being targetted by the excesses of the Indonesian military who may manipulate current events to strengthen their influence.
Urgent Plea for Sulawesi Christians, August 2002
Praying people, political leaders and human rights activists are being called upon to respond urgently to the cry of the Christian Church in Central Sulawesi.
Papua Report, June 2002 by Rev John Barr, Executive Secretary, Unity and International Mission, UCA. Church leaders are fearful that Papua is being led into a "Maluku-style" conflict where provocation from the military, the militia or the Jihad (or all three) will force the community in to a tragic spiral of violence and destruction.
Jihad activity in Papua: Letter to Australia's Foreign Minister, 30/4/02 from Joe Collins Australia West Papua Association, Sydney, concerning the build up of Laskar Jihad in Papua and the presence of Pakistani nationals training local people in militia style activity.
Indonesia's Deadlu War Games, by Richel Langit, for Asia Times Online, May 3, 2002. Conflict in Maluku is intensifying as the Indonesian military face a continued erosion of their power in Indonesia's political landscape. Its not just Laskar Jihad who stand to benefit from the conflict in Ambon continuing.
Barnabas Fund: Current Situation Facing East Indonesia Christians.
The last few months have seen tensions rising in the East Indonesian provinces of Maluku and Papua despite a relative calm that exists. In this helpful update The Barnabas Fund alert us to ongoing needs for prayer.
International
Christian Concern Report March 2001
Firsthand report on the conflict in Maluku Province,
Indonesia. Includes many eyewitness accounts of atrocities.
Summary of current situation in Maluku and in the refugee
camps (of Northern Sulawesi ).
Christ-mas the only
hope
by Rev. John Barr 2/12/2000
(Secretary for Indonesia and East Timor, Uniting Church in
Australia)
Reflections on Indonesia : Christmas 2000 plus a first hand
account of the crisis in Indonesia. From one who has
recently travelled extensively in the region.
Reflections and insights from Rev John Barr on faith and hope for the people of Maluku
Early History of the Church in Halmahera, Nth Maluku
Synopsis, prepared by Ian Freestone, on the work of Prof James Haire, a theologian, historian and missionary to Halmahera, now President of the Uniting Church in Australia.
Local community conflict or ideological jihad affecting the whole of Indonesia? Ian Freestone tackles misconceptions in the media concerning the conflict in East Indonesia.
The Laskar Jihad maintain that only Syariah Law will bring peace to Indonesia. What is the history of Islam in Indonesia and how would a move from secular Islam in Indonesia impact the region and the nations Christians? Report from Tempo Magazine.
News
Laskar Jihad now targetting Papua
Disturbing report from the Human Rights Watch group ELSHAM, reporting from Jayapura, Papua, March 2002
Further disturbing reports from Papua in what could develop as another Ambon unless serious action is taken very soon, March 2002.
Christmas Massacre Feared in Central Sulawesi
Press Release, Dec 5, 2001, concerning the feared massacre in Central Sulawesi.
From The Sydney Morning Herald January 27th 2001
- SMH_No1 - Brutal religious war leaves a paradise soaked in blood
- SMH_No2 - Terror Attacks in the Name of Religion
- SMH_No3 - Christina's story
- Letter to the Editor - Response by Pastor Ian Freestone