The Condition In Ambon Is Still Tense, Displaced Muslims Are Still Holding Up  

Shawwāl  22, 1432 A.H, Wednesday, September 21, 2011

AMBON, Indonesia – How's the condition of Ambon post-the 11/9 riot? A lot of media, especially the secular media reported that the condition in Ambon is already conducive and safe. However, from the observation of the Arrahmah.com correspondent at the scene, the condition of Ambon is still tense. Muslim refugees prefer to stay in the masjids, though they have to sleep in the cold, without blankets. The Islamic Ummah must help!

Ambon is still Tense

If the condition in Ambon is really safe and conducive after the riots, the Muslim refugees, especially those from the areas which were all burnt by the Christian masses, namely the Waringin Village, would certainly have returned to their original villages. Besides the uncertainties of their fates in their native villages, as their homes were burned, the Muslim refugees are also in fear and they still worry about the security situation in Ambon.

The correspondent of Arrahmah.com at the scene reported today, Monday (19/09/2011), that in reality the condition in Ambon is still tense. The refugees choose to stay in the masjids rather than to return to their original places, as their villages, one of which is the Waringin Village, were completely burnt by the Christian masses, which make them unlivable.

Hundreds of Muslim families from Waringin Village until now are still living in refuge in a very pitiful condition. They prefer to sleep in the cold without blankets, some of their children are even affected by diarrhea and vomiting. In fact, this morning, Monday (19/09/2011), there was a mother who was forced to ask for money from an Ustadz as she has already no money at all, and she could not get any food.

Refugees Slept on the Cold Floor of the Masjid

The conditions of the displaced Muslims in Ambon are very pitiful. The correspondent of Arrahmah.com at the scene reported that they are forced to sleep in the open spaces on the floor of the masjid's porch, without blankets. Whereas, there have been frequent rains in Ambon at this time, creating a bone-chilling cold atmosphere. These conditions resulted in the infants and young children of the refugees getting sick very easily.

Meanwhile, the Muslims in the villages still remain vigilant and alert to anticipate any possibility that could happen. They do not want the Muslims to become victims of the Christian evils and savagery again without any resistance. The Muslims are still scared and worried about any succeeding riot, due to that they remain fully alert.

Unfortunately, the government's attention to the unrest in Ambon so far, is still very lacking. There are no signs of strong action from the authorities yet, to completely track down the perpetrators of the stabbing of the Muslim ojek operator that triggered the 11/9 Ambon riots. Besides that, the government also did not respond to the fate of refugees, and it is very unfortunate, as told by a volunteer at the scene.

“It is very unfortunate. The government's attention to the refugees is very lacking,” he said.

Such is the fate of the Ambonese Muslims who are a minority in the middle of the Christian majority. Whereas, this country is a country with the largest Muslim majority population in the world. How ironic! Due to that, it is wajib for the Muslims to help their Muslims brothers and sisters in Ambon, with whatever they can afford. Allahu Akbar!

(M Fachry/arrahmah.com)

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