The Jakarta Post, December 12, 2001
Ambon tense after boat explosion
AMBON, Maluku (JP): The situation in Ambon, the provincial capital of Maluku, was
tense on Tuesday morning following an explosion onboard the California passenger
boat, which was in Ambon Bay sailing from Benteng seaport to Galala ferry port.
Thousands of people stormed the city's streets, burned the Ambon Municipal
Legislative Council, threw stones at the gubernatorial office and then moved to the
Maluku Provincial Legislative Council in protest against the local authorities' inaction
in bringing peace to the conflict-prone province.
The city was immediately paralyzed, with shops and offices closed while on the
streets only about 25 percent of public transportation vehicles operated besides
becak (pedicabs).
There has yet to be an official explanation about the explosion onboard the California,
which occurred at 9:15 a.m. local time (7:15 a.m. in Jakarta). Witnesses said they
believed a bomb had been planted on the vessel, while others said an explosive had
been thrown at the boat from a passing speedboat.
The number of casualties in the incident has yet to be determined.
Antara reported that one passenger, identified as Noce Limahelu, had died in the
explosion, while The Jakarta Post interviewed people who claimed that dozens had
suffered burns while others had been injured by shrapnel.
All the victims were rushed to the Navy's Halong Hospital and the Dr. Haulussy
General Hospital.
Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina was not available for comment, but Maluku
Provincial administration spokesman Cak Saimima said the governor was still in his
office as of 11:40 a.m. local time. (49)
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