The Jakarta Post, 1/14/2003 12:31:14 PM
Bomb explodes in Ambon, causes chaos
JAKARTA (JP): Shortly after several cabinet ministers arrived in Ambon, Maluku, an
unidentified man threw bombs at passing cars, which exploded and damaged the rear
end of a public minivan on Tuesday, Antara reported.
The first bomb, which was thrown at a private-owned car, failed to explode, but the
second did. No casualties were reported during the incident.
The incident sparked anger among local residents of Batu Merah, where the incident
took place. They later threw stones at the car allegedly carrying the bombers.
The driver, identified as Edy Singkeri, was injured and was sent to a nearby hospital.
Meanwhile a soldier, identified as First Sgt. Edy Suatemo, was also injured after he
attempted to calm down the angry mob.
Maluku Police Chief Brig. Gen. Bambang Sutrisno confirmed the incident, but he said
the situation was under control.
"Everything is under control here. The ministers even passed through the area before
they flew back to Jakarta," he said.
The identity of the ministers were not disclosed, nor were their agenda in the province,
which has been locked in a bloody sectarian conflict for over six years.
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