The Jakarta Post, April 15, 2006
Ambon Police gear up for RMS anniversary
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
Ambon Police will carry out a wide-ranging search for separatists and militants ahead
of the anniversary of the self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic (RMS) on April 25.
Ambon and Lease Islands Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Leonidas Braksan said they
wanted to avoid a repeat of the events of April 25, 2004, in which at least 38 people
were killed in a riot sparked by separatist pressures.
"We started the sweep this week in prime locations. It will be random and no prior
notice will be given as to when or where it will be conducted," Leonidas told The
Jakarta Post on Thursday.
He said police wanted to ensure residents could go about their daily activities without
fear, adding the search targeted particular groups like Mujahidin and the separatist
Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM).
"These two groups will be targeted considering some of their members are still on the
loose," Leonidas said.
He said police were still looking for Arsyad, a Muslim cleric and Mujahidin leader who
is thought to be the mastermind of a number of terror acts. Dozens of the group's
members have been arrested and tried on terrorism charges; others are awaiting trial.
Police are closely monitoring members of the FKM, particularly with the emergence of
new leaders after Alex Manuputty, the exiled chairman of the group, was sentenced to
three years' jail for treason. He fled to the U.S. in 2003, before sentencing could be
carried out.
Moses Tunakotta, the group's secretary-general, took over from Alex until he was
imprisoned for treason following the 2004 riot, which broke out in Ambon after an RMS
anniversary event.
After Moses was jailed, Simon Saiya headed the RMS transition government, a new
organization established to replace the FKM. The organization was set up by its
representatives in the Netherlands, who found Alex's fight for the RMS' causes lacked
conviction.
Simon has been on the police's most-wanted list since April 2005.
Leonidas said many RMS members and supporters were on the run, conducting their
activities clandestinely to gain international attention.
"These two groups will be our targets, based on previous years' experiences they
were responsible for the disruptions in Maluku, particularly in Ambon," he said.
Meanwhile, FKM figure Samuel Waelerunny remains free following his conditional
release from prison while his trial continues.
"He (Samuel) has to be monitored because of his role in the FKM. We've made it
clear to prosecutors we want him back behind bars," Leonidas said.
Ambon Prosecutor's Office chief MA Pattikawa said Samuel was conditionally
released at the end of his arrest term.
"We can't do much. This is based on the law and prevailing procedures because when
the arrest term of a suspect is over he should be freed," he said.
Samuel was arrested in April at Ambon's Pattimura Airport. Evidence, including text
messages saved on his cell phone, showed he was coordinating the RMS' anniversary
activities.
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