The Indonesian military is actively backing Muslim newcomers as local people, who are predominantly Christian, are being forced to get out or be killed. Church leaders are pleading for the international community to put pressure on Indonesia to stop the violence in Ambon. Meanwhile, shooting continues in the streets while many homes are being destroyed. Those killed include women and children. Fears of a bloody Christmas in Ambon have been realised.
People have grave fears about the future.
It s our only hope. Please pray for the people of Ambon and especially remember those Christians who are being terrorised through a campaign of violence and intimidation. If Maranatha can be overpowered, the main opposition from Christians on the island will have been broken. Over a thousand jihad fighters clad in white clothes from Leihitu district have already been transported by motorboats, under the very nose of naval security units who were supposed to prevent the amassing of Muslims in the area. If accountability is not undertaken, then, taking into consideration the continuing violence and heeding the people s strong feelings, it would be best if Indonesian army and police forces were pulled out of Maluku and replaced with international peacekeepers.