2023 Ondernaming civil conflict
| 2023 Ondernaming civil conflict | ||||
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| Part of the history of Ondernaming | ||||
 Main street of Ondernaming, surrounded by alleyways. | ||||
| Date | 18 April – 10 July 2023 (83 days) | |||
| Location |  Ondernaming, Mainland province, Republic of Olov  Mikaelist-occupied Ondernaming  Andara 1 street, Pondok Labu sub-district, Cilandak district, South Jakarta, Indonesia. | |||
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| Methods |
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| Resulted in | Olovian-central government military victory
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| Parties | ||||
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| Lead figures | ||||
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| Number | ||||
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The 2023 Ondernaming civil conflict, also known as the Ondernaming opposition or by Indonesian residents in Andara 1 street as the Saleh-Mikael pyrotechnic gang war (Indonesian: Perang petasan geng Saleh-Mikael), was an armed civil conflict (considered by some as a inter-ethnic communal conflict) within the subdivisions of Ondernaming, Olov, which occurred since April 18, 2023, when the militias of the Anti-Saleh (Mikaelist) faction of the Phojam local gangsters, occupied and seized an extent area in Ondernaming.
Background
- See also: Insurgency in Ondernaming
After the insurgency in Ondernaming, a series of ethnic and political tensions between Olovian president Saleh A.H and Ondernaming governor Mikael Gabriel Rafael has been escalating since the commencement of the 2023 Olovian commission of Ramadhan since March 4, 2023, when Saleh A.H voluntarily opened a charity for the civilians of Ondernaming, which also includes the residents of the Indonesian neighborhood.
During the commission, Mikael Gabriel Rafael denounced Saleh A.H, along with his supporters, due to affecting his "anti-Arab rule" which would persecute Arabs or people with Arab descents within Ondernaming.
Main factors
According to Olovian lieutenant Muhammad Farhan, the civil conflict was caused by several various factors, and the following are:
- A sense of heroism or feeling heroic from both sides.
- A sense of ownership of Ondernaming and having to defend it.
- Social and economic inequality within the region.
- Prejudgment of hostility.
- Certain alcohol influences in the Mikaelist anti-Saleh faction.
- Anti-Arab racism on the region.
- Rising of the belief of atheism on the region.
Timeline
2023 Mikaelist occupation of Ondernaming
On 19 April, 2023, at around 00:18 AM (UTC+7), Mikael Gabriel Rafael led an opposing rally, the anti-Saleh faction, which estimated over fourteen people participated, including five Indonesian civilians residing Ondernaming. Resulted as a mass rally within the main streets of Ondernaming. the faction occupied and seized an extent area within Ondernaming.[1]
Firly, participant of the anti-Saleh faction, sexually harassed the relatives of Saleh A.H by making rape threats through WhatsApp's direct-message. Mikael claimed that the actions of Firly were not guilty, Mikael also claimed Firly's actions is "very admirable" and has become a motive of the faction.[1] Until around 01:34 (UTC+7), the rallying was immediately ceased, due to disturbance towards elderly, and local-civilians at midnight. However, the Mikaelist occupation continued[1]
Aftermath and results
After the widespread rallying and occupation throughout Ondernaming, Saleh A.H stopped funding special loans towards Mikael Gabriel Rafael, along with the local government of Ondernaming, due to provoking civilians into inciting violence, and spreading false accusation and hatred towards Olovian president Saleh A.H. Which eventually caused the annual growth rate of GDP (per-capita) decreased in Ondernaming.[1]
Saleh A.H was then supported by the local government of Northeastern Ondernaming, Olovian lieutenant Muhammad Farhan stated that the region of Northeastern Ondernaming has experienced some clashes with the newly "Mikaelist faction" since 23 March, 2023.
Temporary ceasefire
On May 7, 2023, cabinets of the Olovian-central government made a rule to limit using pyrotechnics in the civil conflict. The regulation was accepted by the Mikaelist faction, and a temporary ceasefire was declared, the regulation also prohibits the use of certain types of pyrotechnics and imposes fines for violating the rules.[2]
Romansyah area attack
On 11 May, 2023, Olovian self-declared local guard, Dziqri Juki, intruded the Mikaelist militias during their training in Romansyah, Ondernaming, which most of the militias were mainly at the age of 7-10.
Anti-Saleh faction chief, Mikael Gabriel Rafael was not present in the field, as he was supposed to be present during the training. Dziqri was later captured by Mikaelist militias for violating the regulation of the ceasefire. and voluntarily switched sides, pledging allegiance to the Mikaelist faction.
Operation Cakrama
Operation Cakrama was an Olovian-led military operation occurring since 3-4 June, 2023, the operation was aimed at advancing, and reclaiming strategic Mikaelist territorial areas by encircling them, which were under the occupation of self-declared anti-Saleh faction chief Mikael Gabriel Rafael. The operation involved over fifteen Olovian soldiers, backed by five Olovian-controlled Ondernaming patrols. Operation Cakrama was commenced at around 16:20 PM (UTC+7).[3]
Olovian Lt. Muhammad Farhan, with Sgt. Saki Yudis, who is an Olovian local military strategist, led the operation, along with the Northeastern-Ondernaming squad II/Yudis soldiers. Sgt. Saki Yudis had earned his reputation by leading ambushes in the past.[4] The operation was also aimed to combat what was perceived as "Christian terrorism" in the region.
6 June 2023: Romansyah area ambush
On 6 June, 2023, at around 15:55 PM (UTC+7), Olovian Cpl. Faaris Akran Pratama was ordered by the Olovian president Saleh A.H, to organize an attack in the Romansyah area, Ondernaming, in order to regain the area. Cpl. Faaris Akran Pratama also received two D'cobra AK-47 airsoft by Saleh A.H, with the intention of weaponry use in the ambush.
At around 16:47 PM (UTC+7), Olovian Cpl. Faaris Akran Pratama deployed a skirmish line formation, along with his Olovian soldiers, consisting of four equipped soldiers, prepared to engage in an ambush with the Mikaelist militia group known to be operating in the nearby Romansyah area of SD Negeri Pondok Labu 12 (Pondok Labu Public Elementary School 12 Morning). Throughout a heavy rain, the ambush continues as Cpl. Faaris Akran Pratama along with his Olovian soldiers immediately charged stealthy within some of the Romansyah area corp trees, while the Mikaelist militias, which were led by Zaf'ar Saputra, tried to counterattack the Faaris-led Olovian soldiers by using equipped canes.
At around 17:14 PM (UTC+7), as the rain continued to fall heavily, the Zaf'ar-led Mikaelist militias, decided to retreat into the surrounding Romansyah areas. Their attempt to strike against the Olovian soldiers has been thwarted, the Faaris-led Olovian soldiers successfully executed their mission, marking a significant Olovian victory during the operation, that has allowed them to regain the areas of Romansyah and a blow to the Mikaelist militias operating in the region.
12 June 2023: Phojam area standoff
On 12 June, 2023, at around 16:37 PM (UTC+7), the Olovian president Saleh A.H, along with Lt. Ucok T. and Sgt. Bilal Nafi led a consisting of six Olovian soldiers, which were deployed at Ondernaming. Sgt. Bilal Nafi was in charge of charging over three more Northeastern Ondernaming squad soldiers, which were equipped with two bicycles, the Bilal-led units were deployed within the Mikaelist Phojam area, a nearby Mikaelist-controlled Ondernaming area. Sgt. Bilal Nafi was also convinced of Sgt. Syaifullah Ferry's presence in the standoff.
At around 17:41 PM (UTC+7), the Mikaelist faction withdrew its militias from the Mikaelist-controlled Phojam area and retreated, declaring a significant Olovian-squad victory during the operation. Sgt. Bilal Nafi gained a reputation for developing a strategy that was effective in fending off the Mikaelist assault.
Mikaelist northeastern Romansyah counteroffensive
On 13 June, 2023, with high-rising tensions between the Olovian-central government and the Mikaelist faction continuing to escalate for control over the Ondernaming region, Mikaelist Cpl. Iban Rasya, along with Ondernaming neutralist Akbar Setyo Nugroho has decided to temporarily collaborate, against the soldiers of the Olovian-squad, which was led by Cpl. Faaris Akran Pratama.[5]
At around 16:32 PM (UTC+7), the Mikaelist faction militias and the Ondernaming neutralist militias launched an allied counteroffensive against the soldiers of the Olovian-squads, in the northeastern Romansyah areas, which resulted in failure, the Mikaelist militias suffered some injuries and vehicle damages, as two Mikaelist militia-owned motorcycles were damaged by the Bilal-led Olovian soldiers. Ondernaming neutralist Akbar Setyo Nugroho was also injured due to a shot of two foam bullets, which were aimed at his right eye, Setyo was unintentionally shot by Cpl. Faaris Akran Pratama.[5] The counteroffensive was considered the last major Mikaelist military campaign.
After the Ondernaming neutral committee demobilized its militias from northeastern Romansyah, the Mikaelist faction, led by Sgt. Iban Rasya and Sgt. Fariz Isma P. retreated at around 17:15 PM (UTC+7).
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Breakdown of the Mikaelist faction
On July 9, 2023, at approximately 17:06 (UTC+7), the Olovian president Saleh A.H initiated a pyrotechnic firing strike as part of the Cakrama operation, against Mikaelist militias in northwestern Romansyah, Ondernaming. The strike caused significant damage to the area. Subsequently, Saleh then fled to the Fadil-Arit area. After his initial retreat, he returned to Romansyah, expressing regret for the damages and acknowledging the strike as a major mistake on his part. In response, the Mikaelist faction condemned Saleh A.H.
At 17:23 (UTC+7), accompanied by Cpl. Faaris Akran Pratama and Fajar Assegaf, Saleh A.H conducted a second strike, claiming it to be a "more protective" pyrotechnic firing aimed at Mikaelist militias in northeastern Romansyah. The firing concluded at 17:26 (UTC+7), after an incident where Mikael Gabriel Rafael, the self-declared chief of the Mikaelist faction, was shot in his right eye by Saleh A.H. This injury led to a significant breakdown in the Mikaelist faction, prompting a temporary ceasefire declared by Cpl. Iban Rasya and Cpl. Arit.
Mikael was promptly supplied with American product Pepsodent toothpaste to treat his eye injury. Despite Mikaelist commander Iban Rasya's declaration that Saleh had "won the war," Saleh A.H strongly denied this statement, claiming that he had "mostly won the conflict." Saleh A.H clarified that the pyrotechnic firing was a strategic move in response to Mikael's provocations, including public rape threats against Saleh's family.
On July 10, 2023, around 20:18 (UTC+7), Mikael unconditionally declared the surrender of his oppositionist faction, calling an end to the civil conflict. Olovian president Saleh A.H was invited to Mikael's house in Ondernaming, arriving at approximately 20:42 (UTC+7), to check on Mikael's wounded eye. The conclusion of the conflict was officially declared as a victory for the Olovian central government at around 23:53 (UTC+7).
Aftermath
Mikael's medical compensation and "eyewitness" controversy
Following the resolution of the civil conflict, Olovian president Saleh A.H provided Mikaelist faction chief Mikael Gabriel Rafael with 150,000.00 Rupiah ($9.89 USD) for the medical treatment of his injured right eye. Some self-declared Mikaelist eyewitnesses asserted that Saleh A.H had caused various troubles, including damaging private property, and criticized him for not offering a formal apology for the eye injury. In contrast, Mikael vehemently refuted these claims, declaring them as false and misleading.
Two days after surrendering, Matheus William Agung, later appointed as the second chief of the Mikaelist faction, shared his perspective on Saleh A.H, stating, "The risk is real, it all depends on whether you want to go forward or backward."
Despite some issues, the emerging victory of the Olovian-central government was viewed positively by many Olovian soldiers, neighboring Indonesian civilians, Mikaelist militias, and some other states with relations with the Olovian state. Sgt. Bilal Nafi stated that "both sides were suffering from the conflict, especially the Mikaelist militia lacking resources" and claimed that the conflict has "fairly" ended with an Olovian victory.[6]
14 July 2023
On 14 July, 2023, Olovian Lt. Muhammad Farhan was officially declared to retire from Olovian military service and was making preparations to attend an Islamic boarding school (Indonesian: Pesantren). As a result, he left Northeastern Ondernaming, where he had been stationed during his military activity.
24 July 2023
On 24 July, 2023, it was reported that two Olovian military soldiers were deployed in Ondernaming with a "special security task" with their mission to secure and neutralize any potential threats within Ondernaming.
During the deployment, Olovian president Saleh A.H. made an official statement expressing concerns about the post-civil conflict situation. He stated that the civil conflict was still having a significant impact on the region and was "frankly haunting" the heart of Ondernaming. Saleh A.H's remarks indicated that the aftermath of the civil conflict was still posing challenges and remained a matter of concern for the Olovian-central government.
11 August 2023
At around 11:23 AM (UTC+7), Olovian president Saleh A.H met with pro-Olovian volunteer Aldi Julianto, who previously pledged allegiance to the pro-Islamist group during the insurgency in Ondernaming, he claimed that he was "a fan of Saleh's opposition against the Mikaelist faction" with also justifying the Olovian pyrotechnic firing strikes.
2 September 2023
At around 22:45 PM (UTC+7), the Mikaelist faction, led by Matheus William Agung, fired a firework in the skies of Ondernaming, it was reported by Mikaelist commander Adnan Adi Pratama, that it was intended for a celebration, the Olovian president Saleh A.H from his residence in Van Engels, Olov, responded with firing a Roman candle pyrotechnic as a strike in the sky, from his balcony, causing the celebration to end forcibly. No response from the Mikaelist faction was made.
According to Saleh A.H, the strike was made due to the Mikaelist faction considered as warmongering the Olovian state, it was also reported that Fhauzan Amrizal (also known as Ojan), a pro-Mikaelist Olovian patrol, was involved in a "secret plan" to attack Saleh's residence, targeting his balcony.
26 October 2023
At around 17:28 PM (UTC+7), the Olovian president Saleh A.H coincidentally met with Mikaelist chief William "Agung" Matheus, both discussed regarding the Mikaelist faction breakdown and a few incidents during Matheus's leadership, Matheus stated he would continue his faction holding the stance of neutrality and trying to avoid possible future conflicts with Saleh A.H. However, tensions escalated between the Mikaelist faction and the Olovian-central government after the Olovian youth militia's Northeastern Romansyah assault, which led to the Ojan Crisis.
Peace negotiations
Ceasefire between both parties
On 7 May, 2023, the central-Olovian government issued a regulation that limits the use of pyrotechnics, on military hostilities and attacks. The pyrotechnics used during the conflict can cause burns, cuts, and other serious injuries towards Olovian soldiers and civilians, and a risk of hearing damage and other health issues associated with exposure to loud explosions. The main regulation also prohibits the use of certain types of pyrotechnics and imposes fines for violating the rules.[2]
Additionally, some local governments of Ondernaming have agreed the implementation of ceasefire within Ondernaming, to cease military hostilities, in their affected areas due to safety concerns.[2] Olovian statesman and president Saleh A.H formed an official statement regarding the ceasefire, following the statement below:
"Any violations of the ceasefire will not be tolerated and may lead to the suspension of the main agreement."
On 3 June, 2023, the ceasefire between the two parties was concluded by the Olovian president Saleh A.H, the Olovian military units continue on clashing in their combat missions.
Domestic responses
Olovian-central government - Olovian sergeant, Saki (Yudis), formed his statement on 4 April, 2023, he stated: "I will not harm the Mikaelist militia directly; they are just young children. I will not harm Matheus either; he is a friend of mine, despite our opposing sides. However, I solemnly promise to target Mikael individually."
Anti-Saleh faction - Self-declared anti-Saleh faction chief, Mikael Gabriel Rafael, gave his response to Saleh official's statement, as he stated: "I am operating with the disregards, the rights of your kind (Arab-Indonesians) do not matter in here, and with by this, your kind shall be despised for good." (Due to his controversial statement, several Mikaelist militias criticized Mikael's response, and considered it as a racist remark).- Anti-Saleh faction - Self-declared anti-Saleh faction deputy, Matheus William Agung, stated at 3 May, 2023, he stated: "Saleh does not deserve to defend himself, or defend the name of his own family, he's clearly such a snout."
Neutral committee - Despite being a pro-Mikaelist, Akbar Setyo Nugroho considered both Saleh A.H and Mikael Gabriel Rafael as a threat to the neighboring society in the heart of Ondernaming.
International responses
- Olovian-central government - Olovian statesman and president, Saleh A.H formed his statement on 19 April, 2023, thus he stated: "We, the cabinets of the Olovian-central government, will not tolerate any further aggression by the Mikaelist faction in Ondernaming, and any attempts to resist our operation will be met with an overwhelming force."
Marhaenia - Marhaenian president A.M. Marhaen expressed concern and regret, he stated with: "No country should be in a civil conflict. We deeply regret the occurrence of the 2023 Ondernaming civil conflict in the Republic of Olov. Peace must be achieved in order to create common prosperity."
Reformed People's Republic - Youri Koeman described the civil conflict as a part of "Saleh's Jihad" in Ondernaming.
Zarkyiv - Manggala Alif Prasetia condemnned the actions committed by the Olovian military.
Qarsherskiy - Qarsherskiyan Sultan Ali Aq-Qarsherskiy At-Tariq Al-Akbar: "People of all races should live in harmony, this is Islam, May Allah guide them"
Zeprana - Zepranan president Terry Arthur McKeen III pledged support for Saleh A.H and disparaged Mikael Gabriel Rafael, labeling him as a Trotskyist.
Legacy
Inspired by the civil conflict, pro-Saleh militant Aldi Julianto composed the song "Saleh Is In My Heart" (Indonesian: Saleh Ada Di Hati Ku), which was first sung on 11 August, 2023.
See also
- List of military actions involving Olov
- Timeline of the 2023 Ondernaming civil-conflict
- List of military engagements during the 2023 Ondernaming civil-conflict
- Territorial control during the 2023 Ondernaming civil-conflict
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 https://ondernaming-news.blogspot.com/2023/05/mikael-leads-political-rally-on-19.html
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://ondernaming-news.blogspot.com/2023/05/olovian-president-saleh-ah-and-anti.html
- ↑ https://ondernaming-news.blogspot.com/2023/06/olovian-army-sets-to-attack-and-seize.html
- ↑ https://ondernaming-news.blogspot.com/2023/06/over-8-pyrotechnics-were-fired-by.html
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 https://ondernaming-news.blogspot.com/2023/06/allied-counteroffensive-between.html
- ↑ https://ondernaming-news.blogspot.com/2023/09/mikaelist-faction-surrenders-resulting.html