Healing Wounds in Maluku
The Maluku conflict is a black page in Indonesias history of inter-communal relationships. In the first two years of the prolonged conflict, about 3,000 people were killed and 67,000 fled their homes to live in refugee camps. Today, four years after the bloody conflict, Muslim and Christian communities realize they need each other to live in peace. The Muslims cant drive out the wild pigs from their lands, something which only the Christians are willing to do. The Christians, on the other hand, miss the dishes their Muslim neighbors used to cook for them. TEMPOs Mardiyah Chamim visited Ambon and Seram islands in Maluku last September with the International Medical Corps, an American NGO concerned with reconciling peoples embroiled in conflicts. The wounds have not completely healed in Maluku. But hope springs eternal. No matter what, the bleeding must stop.
November 18, 2003
FARIDAS eyes turned tearful when she heard Maluku Tanah Pusaka (Maluku, Sacred Land). Its a song frequently aired in Ambon. Its lyrics tell of those who lament the demise of children, relatives, spouses or other loved ones as a result of violent conflicts. It reminds me of Eva, my dear baby. She died when we were busy seeking refuge, said the young mother, with emotion.
Farida, who lives in the village of Olas in West Seram Island, Southeast Maluk
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