BERNARD SHAW, CNN ANCHOR: The Indonesian military is taking control of air and sea routes in the Maluku Islands. CNN Jakarta bureau chief Maria Ressa takes a look at the sectarian violence in the area once known as the Spice Islands.</s>MARIA RESSA, CNN JAKARTA BUREAU CHIEF (voice-over): A tense calm in the city of Ambon, where violence between Muslims and Christians began a year ago. At least 17,000 people have been killed. The fighting quickly spread to 23 neighboring islands. The worst is in Seram (ph) and Halmahera (ph), where violence continues. At least 500 people have been killed in the last two weeks.</s>DJOKO SOEGIANTO, VICE CHMN., HUMAN RIGHTS COMM.: I fear that it can be a worsening situation in Maluku.</s>RESSA: The Indonesian navy began a blockade around the Maluku Islands on Friday to prevent the transfer of rioters and weapons from island to island, and to help tens of thousands of people flee the violence. In the first six days of the year, the navy says it evacuated 17,500 people. The military now has taken over all air and sea transport. The only way to get around the islands now is to use Indonesian navy warships and military planes. Indonesia has the world's largest Muslim population, but Ambon is predominantly Christian. The violence has prompted Muslim calls for a jihad in the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. The Indonesian military and government say the top priority now is to stop the violence and religious extremism from spreading. Maria Ressa, CNN, Jakarta.
Indonesian Authorities Faced With Rash of Sectarian Violence