The Jakarta Post, April 26, 2006
RMS hoists separatist flags in Maluku province
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
Despite tight security in Ambon city, supporters of the self-proclaimed South Maluku
Republic (RMS) managed to hoist four of the separatist movement's flags in Maluku
province.
The flags, three of which were found in capital city Ambon and another in West Seram
regency, were hoisted without the police being alerted.
In Ambon, the flags were discovered in Belakang Soya, Batugajah and Kudamati
areas. In Kudamati, the flag was found in Dr. Haulussy hospital complex, where a
total of seven police posts had been set up.
Maluku Police Chief Brig. Gen. Adityawarman said the police had tried to minimize
such incidents during the 56th anniversary of the movement's formation Tuesday. "But
there were still flag-hoisting incidents, secretly conducted by RMS members and
supporters," he said.
But in general, he said, security was under control as more than 1,000 security
personnel had been deployed to prevent incidents.
"It's better to stay on alert to prevent incidents like those which happened in previous
years," he said, referring to the bloody clash in 2004 which killed 38 people. "Besides,
people want Ambon and Maluku to stay in peace."
The houses of RMS' leaders -- Alex Manuputty, the exiled chairman of the group who
had fled to the U.S. in 2003, and the separatist Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) figure
Sammuel Waeleruny - were also guarded and watched by police Tuesday.
Alex's house in Nusaniwe district, which in previous years had been used as place to
commemorate RMS' anniversary, had been guarded by 24 police personnel since
Monday.
Police officer, Second Brig. Samrony Kinowa, who was among the officers securing
the house, said residents had helped the police. "Residents here have helped
guarding the area since (Tuesday) morning and so far there have been no problems
apart from the finding of RMS' flag in Haulussy hospital, about 75 meters away from
here," Samrony said.
Unlike the heavily armed forces present in previous years, police Tuesday were not
heavily armed, a move meant to calm residents fears.
The police also secured the area around Sammuel's house in Amantelu, Sirimau
district.
Sammuel, who The Jakarta Post met in his house, declined to comment on the
security surrounding him, as he still as suspect in an ongoing trial.
However, he called on the people of Maluku not to be provoked. "Personally, I don't
want any conflict because the victims will be Maluku's people, our own brothers," he
said.
Sammuel, arrested in April on the suspicion of coordinating RMS' anniversary
activities, was on a conditional release from prison following the end of his arrest term.
All contents copyright © of The Jakarta Post.
|
