Ambon to resume town's public bus services
Ambon to resume town's public bus services
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Ambon will relaunch public bus services
along the town's three main thoroughfares as of Wednesday after
they were suspended for some time due to the ongoing sectarian
conflict in the area.
Mayor Chris Tanasale cited on Monday improving security
conditions as the main factor for the decision to resume what he
called "reconciliation" bus services.
"The resumption of the bus services should help people resume
their activities," he said, adding that three 24-seater busses
had been provided by DAMRI, a state-owned bus company.
Four police and military officers would be assigned to each
bus to ensure safe and secure services which will run between 6
a.m. and 6 p.m, he said.
Bus services along the three thoroughfares, located in the
Sirimau and Teluk Ambon Baguala districts, had been disrupted
since the sectarian conflict between Muslims and Christians
erupted in Ambon in January 1999. They were eventually stopped
completely.
"Now both communities can benefit from the operation of the
`reconciliation buses'," Chris said, stressing that the services
could also mark the return of a more peaceful coexistence.
Separately, the Pattimura Military Command which oversees
Maluku and North Maluku, called on public leaders to refrain from
making controversial statements or criticism which would only
heighten tension in the area.
"If they don't stop criticizing one another, don't ever dream
of seeing peace and security here," Pattimura Military Chief
Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa was quoted by Antara as saying.
Sectarian clashes over the last 22 months have claimed at
least 2,000 lives and forced thousands of others to flee their
homes.
Made Yasa said both communities should denounce the use of
violence in resolving conflicts.
He also warned that the military would be impartial in taking
stern action against rioters.
The military last week arrested 12 armed men who claimed to be
members of the Yogyakarta-based Ahlusunnah Wal Jamaah Laskar
Jihad (Islamic holy warriors) during a riot in Air Salobar.
From them, security forces confiscated military-standard
grenade launchers, ammunition and uniforms.
Made Yasa also disclosed that the military seized 1,300 bomb
detonators, hidden under a pile of watermelons, as they were
about to be unloaded from KM Lambelu at Yos Sudarso port in
Ambon. (49/lup)