The Jakarta Post, March 08, 2006
Calm returns to Ambon after police, military clash
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
Calm returned to Ambon on Tuesday following a weekend of violence between police
and military personnel that left one police officer and one soldier dead, and one civilian
injured.
Residents have resumed their daily routines in the conflict-torn city, and joint police
and military patrols are helping to keep the peace.
Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Adityawarman said Tuesday both the police and the
military had taken internal measures to prevent the situation from worsening.
"But this case will continue to be investigated and will be dealt with transparently," he
said.
So far, only one police officer, Chief Brig. Imanuel Mahise, has been arrested. He is
believed to have started the violence between police and military personnel by
allegedly attacking a soldier.
Indonesian Military chief Air Marshal Djoko Suyanto said Monday the clash between
several soldiers and police officers had been triggered by individual problems, and
described those involved as "teenagers who (were) still emotional".
Adityawarman expressed concern the incident would undermine security in Ambon
ahead of the self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic anniversary in April.
The situation, he said, might be manipulated by people seeking to sow conflict in
Maluku. "So we want to find those responsible for the clash," he said.
Pattimura Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Syarifudin Summah urged people,
particularly police offices and soldiers, to practice restraint.
"We always have a rise in security disturbances in the lead-up to April. We hope
police and military personnel will not be provoked," he said.
A source at the military command said measures taken to prevent a larger clash
included restrictions on personnel wanting to leave offices and compounds, both at
day and night.
Only personnel from certain units, such as internal affairs, are allowed to leave police
and military complexes, and only after their commanders have granted them
permission.
Meanwhile, Bishop PC Mandagi of Amboina diocese called on the police and the
military to immediately resolve the matter.
"The clash shows they're not disciplined. The police and the military should make
people feel safe, not cause problems," he said.
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