Canberra, July 10, 2002

Mr. John Brodnik

P.O. Box E11 East Corrimal

New South Wales 2518

Australia

Dear Mr. Brodnik,

I wish to acknowledge receipt – with thanks – of your communication forwarding a brochure entitled ‘The Voice of the Martyrs’ , which inter-alia depicting the chilling effects of the communal conflicts in Poso (Celebes) as well as in the Moluccas while propagating the sacred teachings of Lord Jesus – peace be upon Him.

I am indeed more than happy to learn the fact that our brothers and sisters in blood of Christian faith have so far been able to channel their anger and frustration to many organizations, such as yours, asking for supports. Unfortunately, their brothers and sisters of Moslem denomination have no such an organization to turn to.

The Poso’s tragic conflicts were inter-alia triggered by the massacre of hundreds of innocent babies, students, teachers and elderly people who lived in an Islamic boarding school. I can assure you that the cold-blooded killers who have committed such gross-violation of human rights are not Christians for Lord Jesus has absolutely never been known to encourage His followers to kill, maim, torture and/or harass people. Instead, He taught us to spread love all over the world as well as to take good care of all human beings, especially children and elderly people. Similarly, Islam is firmly believed by its followers to be descended from heaven to enlighten the world and all creatures contained therein.

It is nevertheless to be admitted that we live in an imperfect world where many gross-violations of human rights occurred on a daily basis. If we look around, we can easily spot so many flagrant violations of human rights committed, among others include: sexual harassments of disabled and young people by their supposedly guardian angels; children of indigenous people being robbed from their families; abuse of power by high-ranking officials by coercing disadvantaged people to have indecent relations; genocide; ethnic cleansing; and, people deprived from adequate food, water, and shelters. This is just to name but a few.

The government of Indonesia has however decided not to reveal the chilling images of this imperfect world, especially if it is related to the communal conflicts occurring in our beloved country for fear not only will it hurt and inflame further the conflicts, but also it will definitely provide no solutions of which we are now frantically trying to seek. I am indeed honored to advise you that we are now nearing the end of these sectarian conflicts, for the two conflicting camps have recently signed peace agreements, locally known as Malino I and Malino II Accords.

It is against these backdrops that we would like to call upon all parties concerned – especially the so-called Indonesia’s watchers – to liaise with the nearest Indonesia’s representatives to help us lessen the suffering of those innocent people entrapped in these tragic conflicts. If the costs incurred by the printing of ‘The Voice of the Martyrs’ were spent to help the people of these conflict-hit areas, I can assure you that it would significantly contribute to solving the problems.

In order to avoid any rerun, I wish to take this opportunity to request you to kindly distribute the copies of this letter to those who have affectionate feelings towards Indonesia for reference purposes.

Meanwhile, please accept Sir, the assurances of my consideration.

Lutfi Rauf

Information Officer (Counsellor)

Cc :

1. Mr Steve Dickson, 4/40 Saddington St, St Marys NSW 2760

2. Ms Leonic M Holloway, 47 Sharman St. Medina, WA 6167

3. Mr Peter Douglas, 17 Chunca St, Yass NSW 2582

4. Mr Peter McDonald, 28/7 Hassal St, Hamilton South NSW 2303

5. Dr NB & PS Sideheldfield, 11 Montlock Cct, Kallen, ACT 2617

6. Ludmila Touch, Kings Langley 2147 NSW

7. Social Justice Committee, Catholic Diocese of Wollongong, Milton, Ulladulla Inlet Branch, PO Box 33 Milton 2539.

8. Unit ing Church of Australia, PO Box A2266, Sydney South, NSW 1235, AUSTRALIA

9. Amnesty International Australia, 806 233 Private Bag 23 Broadway 2007, NSW Australia.

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Embassy of Indonesia in Canberra @ 2002