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)