But below this, the social fabric has been torn apart. While informal leaders, Christian and Muslim, have lost control of their respective communities, communities take their cue from firebrands in their early twenties who are militaristic in their behaviour, while many well-armed youth gangs from both sides have emerged. Anyone who mentions the idea of dialogue or understanding towards the enemy is seen as a traitor. A year ago, traditional weapons were being used, but now, there has been an influx of firearms on both sides, changing the very nature of the fighting. Standard military weapons are everywhere, including semi-automatic rifles and even rocket missiles on both sides.
Firearms are no longer the monopoly of the security forces.
While in most islands in Central Maluku such as Ambon and Saparua, the religious communities are roughly equal, the situation in North Maluku has changed for the worse. The northern part of Halmahera has become entirely Christian. Large areas in North Maluku have been depopulated because people are afraid to return to their villages. Crops, livestock and homes have been destroyed and many are living in squalid conditions in temporary camps. It is estimated that 4,000 people have been killed in the past nine months in North Maluku alone, which has led to a total upheaval.