APRIL 25 AND TALK OF WAR

Remembering the likes of the Gallipolli campaign of WW1, Australians have enshrined symbols of mateship, fair go, sacrifice, and freedom into a National Holiday every April 25.

April 25 also happens to be the day that the little known Malukan separatist movement, known as RMS, celebrate the anniverary of their inauguration. Outlawed by Jakarta and opposed even by most Malukan church leaders, the Ambon based movement has several hundred (mainly christian) followers who have attempted over the last few years to raise their own flag in defiance of Indonesia. It is more symbolic than anything else. The ill equipped and small numbered RMS pose little real threat to Indonesia's national security. But both the authorities and the Laskar Jihad talk up the 'threat' of RMS and speak of the 'christian separatists' in order to justify their violence and discrimination against the whole of the Christian community. So, in readiness for any tensions that might develop on April 25 the RMS leader was arrested and strict curfews were imposed across the whole community (or so it seemed). Foreign journalists and international aid workers were also banned from visiting the province in the name of 'national security'.

Completely ignored however was the not so co-incidental arrival of Laskar Jihad leader, Jaafar Umar Thalib, who received a red-carpet welcome upon his arrival in Ambon city on April 24. He then goes straight to the local mosque where he addresses tens of thousands of Laskar Jihad and other extremists who had gathered. Whipping up the masses into a murderous frenzy Thalib unashamedly preaches:

"From today, we will no longer talk about reconciliation...Our focus now must be preparing for war - ready your guns, spears and daggers"

And, as if 10,000 lives lost over the last three years wasn't enough!!

How can the Indonesian authorities say on one hand that it's important to ensure the Malino peace agreement is observed when on the other hand they allow Thalib, an outspoken critic of reconciliation in any form, to enter Ambon to preach venom and violence against the Christian community???

Spurred on by Thalib's words, the Silo church in Ambon is burnt down for the second time on April 25.

But who gets arrested that day and the next? 27 flag flying RMS supporters!

Whilst the christian population on the whole are not followers of RMS, they wonder why it is that the RMS leader and his followers are under arrest but Thalib is able to move between Java and Maluku and between Java and Papua, inciting hatred against the whole of the Christian community. They wonder also why there have been no arrests in relation to the highly sophisticated terrorist bomb attack on April 4 that took the lives of 6 of their community and critically wounded 55 others.

In the face of tragedy and injustice Malukan Christian leaders sing psalms of lament:

"In the depths of Your people's sufferings They are tortured, screaming and wailing Only You Lord know The full suffering of Your people. Lord Oh merciful Lord How long will it be That Your people continue to cry out?" (Rev Frederick Putjutju, from 'Struggle of Life', 2000*)

For Australians, April 25 is a day of remembrance for those who have fallen in war. In fact in Ambon one can find the graves of the Aussie fighters, who, along with local Ambonese, lost their lives in fending off the Japanese in WWII. The cemetery and memorial have now been desecrated beyond belief, by those who oppose, not only Christianity, but also Australia and its allies. The Ambonese stood with us in our defense. Isn't it time we Aussies stood with them in asking for justice on their behalf?

Ian Freestone Australian Director, IFC http://cryindonesia.rnc.org.au 27.4.02

*Song, 'Struggle of Life' plus 12 others can be found on 'Hearts of Faith', a new compilation of inspiring Malukan songs endorsed by Sir Cliff Richard, published by The Barnabas Fund and available from http://www.dayspringdirect.com Companion video, 'Cry Indonesia' also available.