The Jakarta Post, April 26, 2005
RMS flags raised in Ambon city
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
Despite a heavy security presence in Ambon, several flags of the self-proclaimed
South Maluku Republic (RMS) were raised on Monday to mark its 55th anniversary.
According to information from the Ambon and Lease Islands Police, five RMS flags
were raised in four separate locations in Ambon. There are reports that four flags also
were raised on Haruku island.
The chief of the Ambon and Lease Islands Police, Adj. Sr. Comr. Leonidas Braksan,
said the flags were raised by members of the separatist Maluku Sovereignty Front
(FKM) sometime after midnight on Monday.
"I received reports of flags being raised at several locations, including four locations on
Ambon island," Leonidas told The Jakarta Post on Monday, adding that his officers
were working to arrest those responsible for raising the flags.
Similar celebrations last year triggered communal clashes that claimed at least 38
lives and left hundreds more injured. In 1999, sectarian violence in Ambon killed
thousands and left hundreds of thousands more injured.
In the village of Passo, two RMS flags were found near a Mobile Brigade (Brimob)
police post on Monday.
The two flags were found by Baguala Police chief First Insp. Denny Nanlohy, who
criticized residents who were supposed to be on neighborhood watch early on
Monday.
A group of Passo residents gathered at 10 a.m. to march to Ambon city, some 13
kilometers away, to protest the officer's remarks. Residents said Brimob personnel
should accept blame for the incident.
However, the residents were dispersed by the police, who feared a protest could
trigger clashes.
"If we allowed (the protest) it could be dangerous because the Passo residents, most
of whom are Christian, would have to pass through Muslim neighborhoods to reach
Ambon. This could trigger a new conflict," Denny said.
Also, a suspicious package was reported near the Trinitas Science Institute in Halong
Atas village. The bomb squad was dispatched and determined the package was not a
bomb.
The home of FKM executive leader Alex Manuputty in Kudamati was quiet on
Monday. There was little activity in the surrounding area, which used to be known as
an RMS stronghold.
Some Kudamati residents praised the security measures taken this year, adding that
the image of the area as an RMS outpost hurt residents.
"For instance, if our children want to work in a government office or want to join the
military or the police, they always face some suspicion. Many residents use different
addresses for their identity cards," said the head of Kudamati village, Louis Paais.
Ambon has been on high alert since Friday ahead of the RMS anniversary. This alert
status will remain in place until at least April 27.
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