The Jakarta Post, April 24, 2006
Ambon calm ahead RMS anniversary
M. Aziz Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
AMBON, Maluku: Security remained under control in Ambon, Maluku on Sunday
ahead of the anniversary of self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic (RMS) on
Tuesday.
Residents went about their routine activities although more than 1,000 military and
police personnel had been deployed to secure the city.
A public minivan driver, Hengky Wattimena, said he hoped the city would remain safe.
"If there's disorder in Ambon, it's we, the poor who suffer. Now I have car and many
Muslims are my regular passengers so I personally want Ambon to remain safe and
secure," he said.
A member of the Association of Islamic Students in Ambon, Guntur Rehalat, said he
felt the deployment of more than 1,000 security officers was excessive.
"The deployment of huge numbers of security personnel to secure the city on April 25,
makes it seem like Ambon is still under a state of emergency. It gives the impression
that Ambon is still not safe. Investors and tourists will think twice about coming
here...," he said.
Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Adityawarman, said he did not want a repeat of the
2004 bloodshed in which 38 people were killed. "We are taking measures to
anticipate RMS' moves during the anniversary celebration...," he said. -- JP
All contents copyright © of The Jakarta Post.
|
