RMS flags raised in Ambon city<\/p>\n
M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon<\/p>\n
Despite a heavy security presence in Ambon, several flags of the
\nself-proclaimed South Maluku Republic (RMS) were raised on Monday
\nto mark its 55th anniversary.<\/p>\n
According to information from the Ambon and Lease Islands
\nPolice, five RMS flags were raised in four separate locations in
\nAmbon. There are reports that four flags also were raised on
\nHaruku island.<\/p>\n
The chief of the Ambon and Lease Islands Police, Adj. Sr.
\nComr. Leonidas Braksan, said the flags were raised by members of
\nthe separatist Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) sometime after
\nmidnight on Monday.<\/p>\n
\"I received reports of flags being raised at several
\nlocations, including four locations on Ambon island,\" Leonidas
\ntold The Jakarta Post on Monday, adding that his officers were
\nworking to arrest those responsible for raising the
\nflags.<\/p>\n
Similar celebrations last year triggered communal clashes that
\nclaimed at least 38 lives and left hundreds more injured. In
\n1999, sectarian violence in Ambon killed thousands and left
\nhundreds of thousands more injured.<\/p>\n
In the village of Passo, two RMS flags were found near a
\nMobile Brigade (Brimob) police post on Monday.<\/p>\n
The two flags were found by Baguala Police chief First Insp.
\nDenny Nanlohy, who criticized residents who were supposed to be
\non neighborhood watch early on Monday.<\/p>\n
A group of Passo residents gathered at 10 a.m. to march to
\nAmbon city, some 13 kilometers away, to protest the officer's
\nremarks. Residents said Brimob personnel should accept blame for
\nthe incident.<\/p>\n
However, the residents were dispersed by the police, who
\nfeared a protest could trigger clashes.<\/p>\n
\"If we allowed (the protest) it could be dangerous because the
\nPasso residents, most of whom are Christian, would have to pass
\nthrough Muslim neighborhoods to reach Ambon. This could trigger a
\nnew conflict,\" Denny said.<\/p>\n
Also, a suspicious package was reported near the Trinitas
\nScience Institute in Halong Atas village. The bomb squad was
\ndispatched and determined the package was not a bomb.<\/p>\n
The home of FKM executive leader Alex Manuputty in Kudamati
\nwas quiet on Monday. There was little activity in the surrounding
\narea, which used to be known as an RMS stronghold.<\/p>\n
Some Kudamati residents praised the security measures taken
\nthis year, adding that the image of the area as an RMS outpost
\nhurt residents.<\/p>\n
\"For instance, if our children want to work in a government
\noffice or want to join the military or the police, they always
\nface some suspicion. Many residents use different addresses for
\ntheir identity cards,\" said the head of Kudamati village, Louis
\nPaais.<\/p>\n
Ambon has been on high alert since Friday ahead of the RMS
\nanniversary. This alert status will remain in place until at
\nleast April 27.<\/p>",
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