But it is clear that the tradition now lies buried underneath the rubble. The church was destroyed in an attack by Muslim mobs in late December. The Al-Fatah mosque, Ambon's oldest, is a short walk away. Its green halls are crammed with refugees who have escaped attacks on their villages by mobs. Local hospitals are also crowded, with overworked staff constantly tending to the casualties of Ambon's battles.
Doctors complain that they have to deal with the kinds of injuries seen in full-scale wars.
A year ago, people fought with knives, spears and bows. Now those being brought in exhibit wounds inflicted by bullets and shrapnel. Unfortunately, the vicious cycle of hatred, violence and revenge shows few signs of abating. It is Idul Fitri, the Muslim festival that marks the end of the Ramadan fasting month, but some clerics appear more concerned about exhorting their followers to battle. We will defend ourselves, and it is holy to die in defense of Islam.