ABC AUSTRALIA, 25/04/2003 19:43:21
Indonesian troops suppress separatist celebration
Indonesian troops and police have arrested about 60 people to quell attempts to mark
a separatist anniversary 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 today.
The district military commander of Ambon island, Lieutenant Colonel Yudi Zanibar,
says many of the flags had been quietly raised overnight on hilltops and trees.
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 of the 1950 proclamation of the republic.
25/04/2003 19:43:21 | ABC Radio Australia News
© 2001 Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
