Military steps up security in Maluku<\/p>\n
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Security has been intensified in Maluku
\nislands following escalating tension in several riot-hit
\nvillages, which has forced many residents to flee their homes.<\/p>\n
A staff member at the Ambon Civil Emergency Post, Maj. Martin
\nLuther Djari, said on Thursday that the Ambon Military Command
\nhad deployed two battalions to reinforce security.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Pattimura Military Command sent two battalions of
\ntroops to neighboring Saparua island in Central Maluku to replace
\na joint Navy, Air Force and Army battalion, led by Maj. (Inf.)
\nRicky Samuel, which will be sent back to Ambon.<\/p>\n
Martin said intensified security had prevented further
\nbloodshed on Thursday morning in Suli village, Salahutu district,
\nAmbon island, when residents from neighboring Tulehu and Tial
\nvillages arrived with the intention of attacking Suli village.<\/p>\n
\"The joint armed forces reinforcements in the village
\ndispersed rioters in anticipation of a similar attack on Monday,\"
\nhe said.<\/p>\n
Martin said security personnel and the rioters were involved
\nin an hour of gunfight, but there were no immediate reports of
\nfatalities.<\/p>\n
In Monday's attack, five people were injured and at least 50
\nhouses were burned down when Tulehu and Tial residents attacked
\nSuli village with guns and fire.<\/p>\n
Tension was apparent in nearby Waitatiri village in Salahutu
\ndistrict and Passo village in Teluk Ambon Baguala district
\nfollowing the attack, which forced many residents to take shelter
\nin other villages and provinces, while those who remained braced
\nfor another attack.<\/p>\n
Separately, Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made
\nYasa said on Thursday that he had ordered security personnel to
\nconduct sweeping operations to disarm locals as well as to
\napproach local religious and community leaders and appeal for
\nhelp in settling the communal conflict on Saparua island.<\/p>\n
Later on Thursday, Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina and other
\ncivil emergency leaders held a closed-door coordinative meeting
\nwith four visiting staffers from the Office of the Coordinating
\nMinister for Political, Social and Security Affairs.<\/p>\n
Both coordinator of the coordinating minister's office's
\ndelegation Jussi Riyanto and Governor Latuconsina refused to
\ncomment on the extension of the state of civil emergency in
\nMaluku province.<\/p>\n
The three-month state of emergency, ending on Sept. 27, was
\ndeclared in June in an effort to restore peace and order in the
\nriot-torn province.<\/p>\n
Latuconsina said the possible extension of the state of civil
\nemergency would further be discussed with the government. He did
\nnot elaborate.<\/p>\n
In a related development, a series of attacks in Hative Besar
\nvillage, Teluk Ambon Baguala district, over the past two days has
\nleft villagers in fear.<\/p>\n
Local residents say loud explosions can be heard in the
\nevenings in nearby Sirimau and Nusaniwe districts. (49\/lup)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/military-steps-up-security-in-maluku-1447893297",
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