Bomb explodes in Tarakan

Bomb explodes in Tarakan

SAMARINDA: Bombs dating from World War II exploded yesterday
in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, shocking local residents.

Tarakan military chief Lt. Col. Soekarno, said that residents
were jolted awake by a series of explosions. The sounds came from
a burning forest near the popular tourist resort of Amal beach.

"We believe that the source of the explosion was old land
mines or artillery mortars," he told Antara.

Soekarno said many explosives from World War II, including
bombs, grenades, and sea and land mines were buried at Amal
beach.

In 1942 Japanese troops landed on the beach on Tarakan island
which was the scene of much fierce fighting for the rest of the
war.

Earlier this year, a farmer found a 100-kg bomb, several
rounds of rifle ammunition, a field telephone, and a cannon in
Kampung Enam village.

In 1997, two elementary school students died when they
attempted to break open an old bomb in Teritip village,
Balikpapan.