1. Write to the Indonesian ambassador in your country expressing concern about the violence in Maluku.

*Acknowledge the need to restore order but urge that all security forces sent to Ambon be trained in non-lethal methods of crowd control and equipped appropriately -- the use of live bullets has been disastrous.

*Urge that international humanitarian organizations with the capacity to help provide medical assistance and other forms of help to the displaced be given permission to do so.

*Urge that the Indonesian government make a more serious effort than it has done thus far to investigate allegations that the violence in Ambon was provoked, and punish anyone found to have instigated the unrest to the fullest extent of the law.

2. Send copies of your letters to parliamentarians or members of Congress in your country, asking them to go through your Foreign Ministry/State Department to put pressure on the Indonesian government to take these measures.

3. Be very careful in gathering information on the unrest in Maluku not to rely on information from just one side. Both Christians and Muslims have been killed and displaced, and both believe that their suffering has been misrepresented or underreported. It is very important to understand to listen to representatives of both communities.

For further information:
Sidney Jones (New York) +1 212 216 1228