Ambon (Fides Service) - Poverty is the sad heritage of years of civil war 1999-2002 which ravaged the Moluccas Islands in the east of the archipelago of Indonesia. According to a report from the Amboina Diocese Crisis Centre about 60,000 people in Ambon live below the poverty line.
Recently Rachman Talaohu, head of the office for planning and rebuilding in Ambon, said that many of the Islanders who fled the violence in the war, more than 500,000 persons moved away, have returned since peace and security were guaranteed. However they returned to find their homes destroyed and they have no work. Efforts are being made to improve the economy, after war put an end to many business and crafts. More than 24% of the population live below the poverty line: this means than out of 250,000 people in Ambon at least 60,000 live in extreme poverty. The Islands still rely on financial aid from UN agencies
The civil authorities are concerned at the situation because poverty and hardship could cause social tension. The local Church is also reflecting on how to help in this difficult situation .
During a synod celebrated in October Amboina diocese expressed its readiness to work for a future of peace and prosperity and renewed its commitment at the level of education and social services.
The Moluccas need investments, infrastructures economic and social development to raise the living standard. The London based International Islamic-Christian Organisation for Reconciliation and Reconstruction recently opened offices in Ambon and in Poso, Sulawesi. The Organisation is fully committed to working for reconciliation and development involving local people, leaders in particular who have strong influence over the people to promote the peace process.
The ICORR has adopted a plan with various points: provide structures for education and healthcare; develop co-operation at the university level; co-ordinate the work of local NGOs; help re-settle returnees and orphans; at the economic level, give incentives to encourage local fishing and timber industries and trade.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 26/11/2004 righe 39 parole 402)