The Jakarta Post, July 05, 2007
Police hunt RMS transition president
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
Maluku Police are searching for Simon Saiya, president of the banned South Maluku
Republic (RMS) separatist group, for allegedly ordering activists to unfurl an RMS flag
during the visit of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to Ambon, Maluku, last
Friday.
Maluku Police spokesman Comr. Djoko Susilo told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday the
order from Simon was made in a written statement read by Johan Teterisa in a
meeting with RMS activists.
The police discovered RMS documents and membership cards concealed under the
clothing of one of the 39 suspects involved in the incident, Susilo said.
"He (Simon Saiya) has become our main target now as the documents we found
confirm the dancers launched their action under his orders," he said.
The activists who unfurled the flag posed as traditional dancers taking part in the
ceremony to mark National Family Day.
Susilo denied a statement saying that Simon, who has been sought by the police
since 2005, had been captured. "We're still asking Maluku people to provide
information on his whereabouts."
Based on police investigations into the incident, the decision to unfurl the flag was
made during a clandestine meeting at the house of Ferdinand Waas, a Hutumury
traditional village head at Lei Timor Selatan district in Ambon on June 27, 2007, Susilo
said.
At the meeting, activists were urged to use peaceful action, not violence, in the
struggle for independence, he said.
Susilo said the police had thus far arrested 39 RMS activists, including two civil
servants. Of the 39 activists, 28 are being detained at the Maluku anti-terror police
office and the other nine at the Ambon and Lease Islands police headquarters.
Susilo said the suspects were charged with subversion, as regulated under articles
110, 104, 164 and 165 of the Criminal Code.
Meanwhile, Ambon Mayor MJ Papilaya said he had suspended Petrus Rahawarin and
Ferdinand Waas from their positions as civil servants.
"They will be fully discharged if they are proven guilty of taking part in the incident."
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