Today is the third day since the Christian and Muslim battle broke out in Ambon, one of the Maluku Islands of Indonesia.

Being described as one of the bloodiest outbreaks of violence in the region since the peace deal in 2002, the latest number of deaths has climbed up to 24 people, according to the report of the Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Soenarko.

In Maluku, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) office and the Christian theological university (UKIM) have been burned down. Silo Church, the main Protestant church in Ambon, which was just nearly rebuilt from previous violence, was also set ablaze.

The Christian area in Mardika has been burned down and Christians have fled the Muslim area of Batu Merah. According to the Crisis Centre of Amboina (a human rights information centre), a full-scale attack has been launched against the Christian neighbourhood of Batugantung and all Christians from there and Mangga Dua have fled the area. Reportedly no security forces were present in the area.

The trouble is believed to have been provoked by a small demonstration held by the Christian separatist Republic of South Maluku movement on April 25th, marking the 54th anniversary of a failed independence bid.

On Tuesday, men armed with machetes and sharpened sticks shouted "God is Great" and called for a holy war against the region's Christian separatists.

Many members of Jemaah Islamiyah, a terror group linked to al-Qaida, captured in recent years have told authorities they fought in Malukus to avenge Muslim deaths.

Ambon's Roman Catholic Bishop, Petur Canis Mandagi strongly advises Christians to stay indoors after talking with Muslim leaders and security officials at police headquarters. However, he does believe that the conflict can be stopped.

“Ordinary people do not want violence, but with the coming elections, political players and extremists have taken advantage of the situation. I hope that the central government in Jakarta will take firm action against the attackers and bring them to justice so that people know that law is upheld in Indonesia. Also, the security forces sent to the area should act in an impartial and professional manner,” he said, staying calm in dealing with the tragedy.

“We as Christians should not respond to provocation and should realise that violence is not the way to overcome the conflict. We should put our trust in the police and military to protect us.”

One positive sign has been the co-operation between senior Muslim and Christian leaders who are working together to try to stop the violence. The leaders of both communities signed a Maluku reconciliation agreement in January 2004 to recommit themselves to the reconciliation and reconstruction of Maluku, and that commitment has held strong even during this difficult situation. However, only the Indonesian government can provide the necessary security to protect this fragile peace.