ABC AUSTRALIA, 24/04/2006 22:53:23 AEST
Security measures taken in Indonesian city of Ambon
Indonesia's eastern city of Ambon is under tight security, a day ahead of a key
separatist rebel anniversary.
April 25 marks the 56th anniversary of outlawed rebels' claim to an independent South
Maluku Republic, a territory covering the eastern Maluku island chain.
Police say the anniversary has seen outbreaks of violence in the past.
Ambon police chief, Leonidas Braksan, says his men have conducted sweeping raids
to find explosives, firearms and nab those without identity cards in the lead up to the
event.
However, he conceded no explosives or firearms have been found so far, nor have any
arrests been made.
The police chief says that about 1,000 police and armed forces are involved in the
security operations.
He says Ambon is safe and calm and that business is proceeding as usual.
Police have warned public and religious leaders in Ambon against provoking violence
during the anniversary.
ABC Asia Pacific TV / Radio Australia
© 2006 ABC |
