BBC World News, February 6, 2003
Hundreds of Laskar Mujahidin rumoured entering Ambon,
Indonesia
Ambon, Wednesday 5 February : Intelligence operatives and personnel in
XVI/Pattimura Military Area Command (Kodam) are still checking the veracity of
reports that hundreds of Laskar Mujahidin had entered Ambon as passengers on
board a PT Pelni Indonesian State Shipping Line ferry.
"I have received a report about this rumour and I have ordered my intelligence and
territorial staff to coordinate with the police to get to the bottom of it," said Kodam
XVI/Pattimura Commander Maj-Gen Djoko Santoso to Antara in Ambon on
Wednesday (5 February).
"If it is true that Laskar Mujahidin have entered Ambon, the TNI Indonesian Armed
Forces and the police will take very firm action in accordance with the applicable law,"
Djoko added. Djoko has just been appointed Kodam Jaya Jakarta Commander.
Djoko said that action to resolve the matter would be conducted in coordination with
the TNI and police along with the Laskar Mujahidin so an agreement would be
reached, because the security situation in Maluku was getting better and better.
Rumours that Laskar Mujahidin had entered Ambon have been rife in the community
since late January. However, up until now, they have not been taken seriously and the
people were going about their normal everyday activities.
© BBC
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