Ambon Police beef up security

AMBON, Maluku: Ambon and Lease Islands Police are beefing security across the Maluku group of islands ahead of the separatist South Maluku Republic Anniversary on April 25.

Chief of Ambon and Lease Islands Police Adj. Sr. Comr. Leonidas Braksan said on Thursday that the police would soon establish more outposts in several areas prone to conflict.

At least 960 more police personnel will be deployed to the outposts to prevent possible violence during the anniversary of the Ambon separatist group, said Leonidas.

The Ambon Police stepped up security measures after violence last year that killed dozens of people and wounded hundreds of others. The violence spread after a dispute between supporters of the separatist group and those opposed to it. -- JP