ASIA/INDONESIA - Aid to devastated area of Aceh comes also from the people of the Moluccas Islands still intent on rebuilding after disastrous ethnic clashes

Ambon (Fides Service) - Solidarity knows no boundaries and very often the poor are more generous than the rich when it comes to helping those in need. Despite their present post civil conflict situation and struggle to rebuild structures, return to normal life, re-start the economy, the people of the Moluccas province, who are Christians and Muslims, were swift to send aid to the people in the Aceh region of the Island of Sumatra one of the most seriously affected by the December 26 tsunami.
In many parts of the Moluccas churches and mosques have become centres of collection for material aid and offerings in money. Since the ethnic clashes in 2000-2001 most Christians and Muslims live in separate districts mixing mainly only in markets, shopping centres and public structures. Now this general effort of solidarity is bringing the two communities together. Unity is essential for rebuilding reciprocal trust and social harmony in the Moluccas. In this context the governor of the Moluccas Karel Albert Ralahalu recently decided to fund the rebuilding of churches and mosques in the capital Ambon, including churches in mainly Muslim districts and mosques in mainly Chrisitan areas.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 8/1/2005 righe 24 parole 249)