Ambon rocked again, seven killed

Ambon rocked again, seven killed

JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of military personnel opened fire on
clashing Muslims and Christians in the devastated Maluku capital
of Ambon, killing at least seven people and wounding dozens more.

Witnesses and hospital staff spoke of ugly scenes when renewed
violence, involving thousands of people armed with crude weapons,
erupted almost simultaneously at six different sites in and
around Ambon on Wednesday afternoon.

"At least 30 people suffering from gunshot wounds were
admitted to hospital today, six of them are dead and five are in
serious condition," Nurse Ida of the emergency ward of Haulusi
General Hospital told The Jakarta Post by phone from Ambon.

She said the casualties were Robby Bonsaya, Ono Ratnoma, Joni
Sahupala, Marli Latuheru, Jerry Siregar and Yosef Yotuwu.

Ida said one more died from gunshot wounds at Maluku
Protestant Church, while at least six more people injured in the
clashes were taken to Maluku Protestant Church Hospital.

"Etje Naulohi died from gunshot wounds at the Maluku
Protestant Church Hospital," Jacky Manuputih, a local Christian
activist, told the Post from Haulusi General Hospital.

The Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI), however, said in a
report made available to the Post on Wednesday night there were
only three confirmed deaths.

The report identified the victims as Robby, Jerry and Etje.
Robby died from gunshot wounds to the head.

One marine, Ivan, whose rank was not identified, suffered an
arrow wound in Air Mata Cina area, the report said.

The PGI said clashes erupted in at least six areas: near the
Silo Church, in Benteng Atas, Urimessing, Mardika market, Tantui
and Ahuru.

Jacky said the victims were shot in two separate clashes
between Muslims and Christians in Air Mata Cina and Benteng Atas
on Tuesday.

"Etje, Robby, Joni and Siregar were shot in Air Mata Cina,
while the remaining three were shot in Benteng Atas."

Ronny Lewerisa, a resident of Benteng Atas, said that troops
opened fire to disperse Muslims and Christians battling with
Molotov cocktails and crude weapons.

He said the first clash broke out at around 3 p.m. in Benteng
Atas. Shortly afterward, dozens of marines were rushed to the
area to control the situation.

"But they then left and a second clash erupted an hour later.
Dozens of Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) troops rushed
to the area and opened fire on residents," Ronny told the Post.

Clashes were continuing into the night, he said.

Military authorities could not be contacted for confirmation.

Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto dispatched one
battalion of marines and two battalions of Kostrad troops from
Java last week to reinforce local security personnel.

Antara reported dozens of houses were set on fire in Benteng
Atas, causing residents to flee and seek refuge at the Santa
Maria Bintang Laut Church.

The news agency reported the special military task force sent
by Wiranto to Ambon on Sunday will set up a communication center
in the riot-torn city.

Wiranto dispatched a high-ranking team of 19 local-born
military officers, led by Maj. Gen. Suaidy Marasabessy, who is
also chief of Wirabuana Regional Military Command, to Ambon in an
effort to stop the communal bloodshed.

Police said on Wednesday at least 172 people have been killed
since clashes between Muslims and Christians first erupted in
mid-January. More than 450 others were injured.

Police said they were questioning 23 people suspected of
instigating the riots.

They said former Maluku governor Dicky Watimena and local
legislator Habib Ali bin Taher had been questioned.

Wednesday's clashes came only a day after local religious
leaders called for calm and peace in Ambon.

Ambon Bishop Mandagi, head of Maluku chapter of Indonesian
Council of Ulemas (MUI) Hasanussy, Rev. Sammy Titalei of the
Maluku Protestant Church and intellectuals from Pattimura
University met with Suaidy on Tuesday.

Thousands of people have taken refuge in mosques, churches,
military facilities and other government buildings in Ambon while
thousands of others have fled the city on ships for their
hometowns in Sulawesi.

The violence was initially sparked by a dispute between a
Muslim migrant and a local Christian driver of a public minibus
on Jan. 19.

It quickly degenerated into full-scale riots involving members
of both communities. (byg/emf)