Bomb explodes in Ambon city

AMBON, Maluku: A loud explosion near the demarcation line between Muslim and Christian communities in Ambon shocked residents in Ambon on Tuesday. No deaths or casualties were reported in the incident.

The police prevented people from approaching the scene of the explosion, which took place at 1:30 a.m. local time (12:30 a.m. Jakarta time) to prevent possible clashes.

After inspecting the scene, the Maluku Police's bomb squad confirmed that the explosion was caused by a homemade bomb.

Ambon and Lease Islands Police chief Sr. Adj. Comr. Leonidas Braksan said the police had detained two people for questioning. But he could not say whether the explosion was related to a recent grenade explosion that injured 19 residents.

"We still have to investigate whether the two incidents are related. But, they certainly have the potential to provoke people," Leonidas said. -- JP