Ambon Muslims surrender weapons

Agence France Presse, Ambon

Muslims in the riot-hit Maluku on Sunday surrendered hundreds of weapons and explosives to the security authorities.

The Forum for Muslim Brotherhood of Maluku, which also includes members of the extreme group Lasykar Jihad, surrendered one cannon, 250 bombs, 100 petrol bombs, four army-issue firearms and 15 homemade guns, plus hundreds of rounds of ammunition, sabres and bayonets.

The weapons were handed over to Maluku military commander Brig. Gen. Mustopo by the Forum's chairman Muhammad Attamimi at a ceremony at a mosque in Kebun Cengkeh subdistrict in the city.

"These weapons are only part of what we have, and the rest will be surrendered when the TNI (Indonesian Military) and the National Police have met their promises to comprehensively investigate the RMS," Attamimi said, refering to the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement.

Mustopo welcomed the weapons surrender and pledged that the military would support the government's move "to safeguard the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia," against any secession.

Abdul Hadi, spokesman for Laskar Jihad in Ambon, said that his force would take part in the weapons surrender although he provided no details.

He said that the move was in response to a call by Vice President Hamzah Haz.

Haz, who also chairs the largest Muslim party, this month visited detained Laskar Jihad commander Jaffar Umar Thalib, sparking strong criticism from politicians and legislators.

An unidentified group attacked Christian Village of Soya, south of Ambon on April 28, killing 13 people. The authorities accuse Thalib of having incited the massacre during a sermon.

Hadi said the weapons surrender was decided in view of the government's progress in meeting the militia's demand for an investigation into the mainly Christian Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM), which it accuses of fomenting the sectarian violence.

Police last week flew FKM leaders Alex Manuputty and Semmy Waileruni to Jakarta for questioning. The FKM supports the RMS.

Manuputty was questioned on Saturday on charges of subversion linked to the raising of the outlawed RMS flag in Ambon on April 25, the anniversary of the RMS.

Muslims and Christians in the Maluku islands have fought a bitter war in the past three years, leaving thousands dead.