Ambon soldiers 'may have violated rules'

JAKARTA (JP): Newly installed Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela indicated on Monday that his soldiers might have violated military procedures during operations that caused the deaths of seven civilians in the Maluku capital of Ambon three days ago.

"Based on the data collected from the scene of the incident, for the meantime it can be said that the actions of the security personnel was partly beyond standing procedures," Tamaela said.

Antara quoted him as saying he had ordered an investigation into the fatal shootings of seven people in the Batumerah area after troops allegedly opened fire to separate fighting Christians and Muslims.

Tamaela, a native Ambonese, said he would also confirm claims that a truck arrived at the scene before the shooting broke out on Saturday morning.

"We do not know what or who the truck carried," Tamaela said.

The bloody incident erupted during a procession of people carrying a torch representing the spirit of national hero Pattimura, who led a rebellion against Dutch rule in the early 19th century in the Maluku islands.

A Muslim group, from Batumerah, carrying the torch from nearby Saparua island to the main commemoration site on the main street of Ambon, refused to hand over the torch as planned to their Christian neighbors from the Mardika area.

The Muslims insisted that traditionally it was them who carried the torch to the field, and opposed the local organizer's ruling that Christians would carry the beacon to the site this year, as symbol of reconciliation between the two warring camps.

This year's ceremony was part of a ritual to mark the signing of a peace agreement between Christians and Muslims last Wednesday. Minister of Defense and Security/Indonesian Military Commander Gen. Wiranto also attended the ceremony.

More than 300 people have been killed since violence erupted in January between Christian and Muslim groups.

The ceremony was also part of the inauguration of the newly established Pattimura Military Command, which will oversee security in the province.

Previously it was under Trikora Military Command, which also oversees Irian Jaya. The separation is aimed at intensifying efforts to maintain peace in Maluku.

Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo denied the clash was a reflection of people's rejection of the presence of the new command.

"The clash was merely triggered by their argument (regarding the torch ceremony)," said the general after inspecting preparations to safeguard the general election in Surabaya, East Java, on Monday.

He blamed the people who had refused to hand over the torch, because they had previously agreed with the arrangement.

"The torch should have been handed over at the last relay... We deeply regret it, especially since (Muslims and Christians) have agreed to create safe conditions in Maluku," said Subagyo. (prb)