Ronald Regang and Iskandar Slameth were recruited to be fighters for opposing sides when they were just 10 and 13 years old. Together with them, hundreds of child soldiers fought in the conflict that divided the island of Ambom, in Indonesia, between Christians and Muslims. This took place in1999 when more than 5,000 people died and another 500,000 abandoned their homes.

The 2002 peace treaty did not bring peace of mind to the children who fought in the conflict. While trying to overcome their memories of the violence, Ronald who is Christian and Iskandar who is Muslim met at an event in 2006.

They noticed that the issues in their country between Christians and Muslims were the same ones
that brought them together. Their story was revealed by the British TV channel BBC. Today, Regand is 28 and Slameth 31. They say they are friends and hope that new generations will learn from the mistakes of the past. Ambom remains divided.

QUESTIONS

1. The story revealed by the BBC shows that:

a. Child soldiers easily overcome the violence they experience in conflicts.
b. Ronald Regang and Iskandar Slameth chose to fight in the Ambom conflict.
c. Both want the next generations to fight also.
d. Both former child soldiers are for peace today.

2. What do you think Ronald and Iskandar’s story can teach future generations?

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