The Jakarta Post, March 29, 2003
Maluku is foreigner-free zone, says official
AMBON, Maluku, (JP): Maluku island in Indonesia's Maluku province has been
declared a foreigner-free zone, head of the provincial immigration office Wiryono said
here on Saturday.
Foreigners who want to visit Maluku island should obtain permission from the Civilian
Emergency Authority in Ambon, he was quoted by Antara as saying.
The decision was made because Maluku island, notably the provincial capital of
Ambon, had just recovered from a prolonged, bloody, sectarian conflict, which broke
out in early 1999, he said.
The provincial immigration office had posted officers at all points of entry into Ambon
in particular and Maluku island in general, to monitor the comings and goings of
foreigners, he said.
The provincial immigration office had been assigned to the task since last January 22,
he said.
Asked on the upcoming visit of UN representatives to attend the opening of a UN
representative office here, Wiryono said they must obtain permission from the Civilian
Emergency Authority.
Wiryono, however, said the plan to inaugurate the UN office here on March 29 has
been canceled until further notice following the U.S. invasion of Iraq.
All contents copyright © of The Jakarta Post.
|
