Moluccas- historic conference begins today

The first major conference between Moslems, Catholics and Protestants begins today in Tual-Langgur, in the south east Moluccas, to discuss the future of the islands. The missionary news service reports that community and religious leaders, NGOs and students are expected to take part in the three-day event, which has been organised by the Crisis Centre of the Catholic diocese of Ambon in collaboration with the local government and the Go-East Institute of Jakarta. Entitled: "National Dialogue on Revitalising Local Culture for Rehabilitation and Development in the Moluccas toward a New Indonesia", speakers will include, the co-ordinating minister for political, social and security affairs, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the Moluccan Governor Saleh Latuconsina and chairman of the Crisis Centre, Fr Agus Ulahaiyanan.