Author(s): Yustina Trihoni Nalesti Dewi, Aholiab Watloly, Jonathan Kwik
Ambon’s vicious conflict in 1999, ostensibly for religious motivations, caused widespread damage, loss of life, and displacement. Although the conflict has since subsided, effects linger due to the inefficiency or unavailability of effective reparations programmes offered by the Indonesian Government to remedy the damage caused. This article discusses the basis of the government's obligation to provide effective reparations. The article then discusses the types of reparations that should be made available, its relevance for the Ambonese victims. The article concludes that reparations are obligatory, and Indonesia should undertake these efforts to accommodate healing, reconciliation, and to prevent the re-emergence of similar conflicts.