The Jakarta Post, April 22, 2004
Maluku separatists vow to defy TNI
AMBON, Maluku: Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) activists vowed to hoist separatist
flags here on Sunday and defy a government ban on such activities.
FKM secretary general Moses Tuwanakotta said his group would go ahead with the
flag-raising ceremony on April 25, which he said was the FKM's 54th anniversary day.
"The military and police have threatened to shut down our commemoration activities,
but (the flag) must fly," he said.
Moses said he had remained in contact with FKM leader Alex Manuputty who fled to
the United States after he was convicted for treason by an Indonesian court last year.
Alex always asked about the FKM's independence struggle in Maluku, Moses said.
Pattimura Military commander Brig. Gen. Ginting Munthe said he had been ordered to
deal sternly with any separatist activities on the day. --JP
All contents copyright © of The Jakarta Post.
|
