BBC World News, Thursday, 25 April, 2002, 11:04 GMT 12:04 UK
Moluccan Muslims set fire to church
[Photo: Indonesian troops patrol in Ambon]
Muslim protesters in Indonesia's Moluccan islands have set fire to a Christian church
as tension over a controversial anniversary mounted.
Indonesian security forces fired warning shots to disperse the protesters, who took to
the streets after a Christian group raised separatist flags in the city of Ambon.
The security forces also shot down several balloons which had been floated over the
city carrying independence banners.
At least two people are reported to have been injured after several explosions were
heard.
The violence threatens a fragile peace agreement signed in February to end three
years of conflict between the Christian and Muslim communities.
A BBC correspondent says the authorities in Ambon had been bracing for trouble
because 25 April marks the anniversary of a failed attempt by a Christian organisation
to create an independent republic in the Moluccan islands in 1950.
Authorities had already arrested the main Christian separatist leader, Alex Manuputty.
They had extended a night-time curfew, ordered a news blackout and banned all
foreigners from visiting the area.
But the separatists, now known as the Maluku Sovereignty Front, went ahead with
plans to mark the anniversary by raising flags and banners across the city, as they
have done in many previous years.
Mortar bomb
Although the flags were quickly removed by the authorities, angry crowds opposed to
the separatist movement soon gathered.
Eyewitnesses report hearing several explosions.
The most serious was caused by a mortar bomb which is reported to have been fired
into the Christian sector of the city.
Several buildings are also reported to have been set on fire.
In Jakarta, the top security minister has said authorities in the Moluccan islands
should take firm measures to maintain order.
The government knows the peace agreement it recently brokered between the
Christian and Muslim communities is very fragile. The more radical sectarian groups
did not sign up.
Earlier this month, a powerful bomb exploded in Ambon killing seven people.
© BBC
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