ANTARA, 06/29/07 10:13
President Yudhoyono orders investigation into "unscheduled
dance"
Ambon (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered
security personnel to investigate an "unscheduled dance" which was allegedly
performed by sympatisers of outlawed South Maluku Republic (RMS) on the sidelines
of the 14th National Family Day (Harganas) commemoration ceremony here on
Friday.
"I want the performers of the dance be investigated," President Yudhoyono said after
the dance was performed by some 30 persons.
At 10.30 a.m. after Maluku Governor Karel Albert Ralahalu gave his progress report in
the Harganas event at Merdeka square, about 30 people, clad in Maluku traditional
costume, came right out of the blue and performed "Cakalele dance" which was not
sceduled by the committee.
Startled by such an "illegal activity," the head of state then said that if the dance was
conducted with certain purposes, social and moral sanctions should be imposed
against the perfomers.
"If the the dancers have certain purposes, there should be a resolute action against
them," President Yudhoyono said, adding that he was informed earlier about possible
illegal activity outside the agenda of Harganas committee.
After the unexpected activity, Pattimura Military Commander May. Gen Sudarmaidy
Suandi, Maluku Police Chief Brig. Gen. Gatot Setiawan, and State Intelligence
Agency (BIN) Chief Syamsir Siregar questioned around 15 members of the illegal
dancers and found several RMS flags with them.
Earlier on Monday, Governor Ralahalu warned all public elements in Maluku province
of not staging rallies or free speech forum during the commemoration of Harganas.
"I ask all public elements to make the commemoration of Harganas which is to be
participated in by President Yudhoyono a success because it is a good momentum
for the future of Maluku after the three-year social conflict in the province," Governor
Ralahalu said on Monday.
Ralahalu pointed out that he had made a coordination with Pattimura Military
Commander Maj. Gen. Sudarmaydi Soebandi and Maluku Police Chief Brig. Gen.
Guntur Gatot Setyawan to take stern action against those who ever try to stage a
rally or free speech forum during the event.
The governor made the warning following a statement made by Maluku chapter of
Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) chairman Sam Latuconsina on a
separate occasion that to stage a free speech forum was necessary.
"We are going to stage free speech forum and ask President Yudhoyono why the best
figures of Maluku have no longer been appointed members of cabinet," Latuconsina
said. (*)
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