The Jakarta Post, April 25, 2003
60 arrested to suppress RMS anniversary celebration
JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian troops and police have arrested about 60 people to quell
attempts to mark a separatist anniversary on Friday in the eastern Maluku islands.
The detainees had either sewn or flown flags of the outlawed Republic of South
Maluku which were to be hoisted on Friday, said Ambon island district military
commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yudi Zanibar.
"The group was arrested in several parts of the island. Many of them quietly raised the
flags late last night on hilltops and trees," he told AFP by telephone.
He said a home-made bomb exploded in the Rinjani area of Ambon island butthere
were no casualties or damage.
Troops in the Maluku provincial capital Ambon have been searching residents for
weapons or flags. A helicopter on Monday dropped leaflets over the city warning that
any attempt to celebrate the anniversary is banned.
An extra 400 police are being deployed in Ambon and Haruku island to suppress any
attempt to mark the anniversary in 1950 of the proclamation of the republic, Friday's
Jakarta Post reported.
People loyal to Dutch colonial rule declared the Republic of South Maluku in 1950 and
staged a revolt against newly independent Indonesia.
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