They linger in stadiums and warehouses converted into collection centers. Pro-Indonesia militia members prevent many refugees from repatriating. Although the U.N. and many humanitarian agencies search for ways for refugees to return home, it will be a long and arduous process for the new territory to rebuild itself. Maluku and North Maluku Clashes between Christians and Muslims in Maluku and North Maluku in the last few years have uprooted over 350,000 people. Powerful civil, military and economic forces in the region influence the conflict, which is outwardly between Christians and Muslims but is fueled by military and Suharto elites trying to maintain power by destabilizing regions.
People flee religious violence that targets both the faithful and their places of worship.
Mosques and churches throughout the region have been burned during the conflict. Aceh In Aceh, on the northwest corner of Sumatra, fighting between the Indonesian military and separatist rebels has uprooted residents for years. Devout Muslims in Aceh seek an independent state. Church World Service in Indonesia CWS has been involved in relief and development work in Indonesia for over 30 years and currently maintains offices in Jakarta and Ujung Pandang. The CWS East Timor refugee program in West Timor has been temporarily closed due to security concerns.