Release International

Seven people died and up to 80 were injured in violent clashes in the Moluccas this week, reviving memories of religious violence on the islands a decade ago.

Several hundred military personnel and police have been deployed to the province, also known as the Spice Islands, after Christians and Muslims clashed in its capital, Ambon, on Sunday.

The violence was reportedly triggered when text messages began to circulate that a Muslim motorcyclist – who police said had died in a traffic accident – had been killed by Christians. A post-mortem examination later confirmed the police report.

The BBC reports that houses, cars and motorbikes were set on fire during the unrest, which is reported to have started at the motorcyclist's funeral. At least 200 buildings were burned down, according to The Jakarta Post.

The Moluccas are still recovering from violent unrest between 1999 and 2002, which claimed more than 5,000 lives and displaced about half a million people. During that period, Islamist extremist groups bent on the total Islamisation of the archipelago waged jihad (holy war) against Christian communities.

The Malino Peace Treaty signed in February 2002 brought an end to the worst violence but commentators say that underlying tensions between faith communities remain and sporadic violence continues.

Following Sunday's violence, Christian and Muslim religious leaders have called on the Government to tackle the root causes of the conflict.

For a country profile and more news about Indonesia, go to: http://www.releaseinternational.org/pages/country-profiles/indonesia.php

(Sources: AsiaNews, BBC, The Jakarta Globe, The Jakarta Post)

• Pray for calm and restored order in Ambon. Pray that residents in the city will resolve to work for peace and reject violence.
• Pray for wisdom for the provincial and national authorities in responding to this latest outbreak of violence. Pray that religious leaders on all sides will preach tolerance, in the interests of religious freedom.

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