Arms sweep by military intensifies in Maluku

Arms sweep by military intensifies in Maluku

JAKARTA (JP): Security authorities have seized thousands of
weapons and explosives in a series of arms sweeping operations in
Maluku, which remains tense despite the two-week imposition of a
civil emergency status.

Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. told
reporters, after attending a Cabinet ministerial meeting on
Wednesday, that 3,380 home-made rifles, 3,009 home-made bombs,
305 grenades and 117 sharp weapons had been confiscated from the
warring groups.

Widodo said he expected to see the operation to disarm the
disputed parties net more weapons.

The operation, conducted by the Navy, again captured two boats
illegally ferrying weapons to Ternate in North Maluku.

Local police are also continuing their search for some 800 SS-
1 automatic rifles and hundreds of mortars seized by rioters from
the Mobile Brigade Police arsenal late last month.

Widodo also said the security situation in Maluku has been
improved since the civil emergency was declared. However, to
maintain order there, the TNI will dispatch two battalions of
reinforcement troops.

As of Wednesday evening, gunfire and explosions were still
heard coming from the areas of Air Salobar, Poka, Rumahtiga, Batu
Gantung, Urimesing and Karangpanjang.

The crowd from predominantly Christian Tawiri and Hatu were
seen to be on alert as they prepared to face possible attacks
from the neighboring villages of Laha and Waisakula.

School and business activities remained on a standstill on
Wednesday. People were seen queuing at the banks for cash.

The civil emergency ruler in Maluku, Saleh Latuconsina,
complained on Tuesday about the lack of authority he holds in
restoring order.

"Although I'm the civil emergency ruler, I cannot give orders
but only ask for immediate security measures. I do not have my
hands directly in every battalion (of troops), since I am not
military," Latuconsina, who is Maluku governor, said.

Violence has been rife in the Maluku capital of Ambon since
the enactment of the civil emergency in the disputed province
on June 27. One of the worst incidences was the predawn attack
which totally destroyed the 30-hectare compound of the state
Pattimura University and three neighboring villages on July 4.

Security personnel have been blamed for failing to maintain
impartiality in handling the clashes.

Residents said the civil emergency did not bring any
significant changes to the province.

"We can only go out after 11 a.m. every day, besides we have
to watch out for sniper attacks," said Maya, a housewife in
Urimesing subdistrict. (49/27/edt/prb)