The Jakarta Post, 4/25/2002 11:28:13 AM
Authorities seize separatist flags in Ambon
JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono said on Thursday that security authorities in Ambon, the capital
of Maluku province, had been taking firm action against attempts by some local
people tocelebrate the 52nd anniversary of the separatist South Maluku Republic
(RMS) movement.
"The police have seized seven flags of the separatist movement. Some Ambonese
raised the RMS flag today (Thursday)," Susilo said, as quoted by El-Shinta radio
station after attending the installment ceremony of Vice Adm. Bernard Kent Sondakh
and Vice Marshall Chappy Hakim as respectively the newNavy Chief of Staff and Air
Force Chief of Staff.
However, the radio station reported that there were 15 separatist flags flying on
Thursday.
Meanwhile, Maluku Provincial Police chief Brig. Gen. Soenarko DA said two people
were arrested following the raising of the separatist flags.
Soenarko said the separatist flags were raised at Talaga Raja, the Xaverius High
School, Kampung Baru, Masohi, and the capital of Maluku Tengah regency.
Antara reported that Ambon was quiet on Thursday morning, despite a call from
Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina that people continue their activities as usual.
But, later at noon, the situation became tense as thousands of locals took to the
streets, asking the security authorities to take firm action against anyone raising the
separatist flag.
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