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DATE=9/2/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=INDONESIA / AMBON VIOLENCE (L ONLY)
NUMBER=2-254626
BYLINE=PATRICIA NUNAN
DATELINE=JAKARTA
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  At least two civilians and one police officer are 
dead in Indonesia's eastern town city of Ambon, after a 
resurgence of violence between Christian and Muslim groups. 
But Patricia Nunan reports, there are conflicting reports 
about exactly how the violence broke out in the city 2300 
kilometers east of the Indonesian capital in the Spice 
Islands. 
TEXT:  Sporadic gunfire and explosions from home-made bombs 
could be heard in Ambon until late Monday afternoon.  Some 
witnesses say the bulk of the violence broke out early 
Monday, when Indonesian security forces led a mob of 
rioters in burning down houses in a Christian district. 
Troops reportedly opened fire on people who tried to put 
out the flames. 
The Indonesian military has  not  yet commented directly on 
the allegations. 
Others say the violence between Christians and Muslims on 
Monday was a continuation of strife that started the day 
before when unidentified gunmen shot and killed one 
Christian man and wounded a teenager while they were on the 
way to church. 
There are also conflicting reports as to the number of 
people dead.  Military sources say four people, including 
one soldier, were killed. Witnesses and hospital officials 
say the number of dead could be as high as thirteen, with 
at least three other injured.  Dozens of homes and a mosque
were reportedly set on fire. 
It is the latest resurgence of violence in the 
predominantly Christian city of Ambon, in Indonesia's 
eastern Spice Islands.  At least 500 people died in a 
series of clashes between Muslims and Christians earlier 
this year. 
Some analysts blame the violence on Indonesia's economic 
crisis, which has highlighted tensions between different 
religious and ethnic groups across the nation.  Some human 
rights officials believe that violence in Ambon has been 
manipulated by the Indonesian military, which is struggling 
to maintain its powerful role in the Indonesian government. 
But there has never been any proof that the Indonesian 
Armed Forces are to blame. 
Military officials in Ambon report that local people have 
been breaking into weapons warehouses for the past few 
weeks, looting weapons and ammunition. Security officials 
also say the local people know how to build "sophisticated" 
home-made guns. (Signed)
NEB/PN/KL  
04-Oct-1999 07:48 AM EDT (04-Oct-1999 1148 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.