The International Crisis Group has warned Indonesia of potential conflict in the country’s easternmost province due to strained relations between Muslims and Christians. Although the situation in Papua is not as dramatic as the report suggests, all Papuan people should be very careful in understanding the potential conflict. Our awareness of such danger can avoid misunderstanding, which will lead to a real physical conflict.
Here is the report.
Asia Report N°154
16 juin 2008
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Indonesian Papua has seen periodic clashes between pro-independence supporters and goverment forces, but conflict between Muslim and Christian communities could also erupt unless rising tensions are effectively managed. Violence was narrowly averted in Manokwari and Kaimana in West Papua province in 2007, but bitterness remains on both sides. The key factors are continuing Muslim migration from elsewhere in Indonesia; the emergence of new, exclusivist groups in both religious communities that have hardened the perception of the other as enemy; the lasting impact of the Maluku conflict; and the impact of developments outside Papua. National and local officials need to ensure that no discriminatory local regulations are enacted, and no activities by exclusivist religious organisations are supported by government funds. Read the rest of this entry »
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