Calm restored in Ambon after bloody weekend
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Calm returned to the riot-torn province on Monday following two consecutive days of communal clashes which claimed at least 31 lives.
Businesses and schools reopened in Ambon as roadblocks were cleared.
The situation in nearby Seram Island was also calm on Monday after the authorities secured the area, according to Maluku Police spokesman Maj. Phillipus Jakriel.
Indonesian Military Commander Adm. Widodo A.S. and National Police Gen. Roesmanhadi are scheduled to make a one-day visit here on Tuesday.
Widodo is to officiate at the transfer of command in Maluku from the police to the military.
According to Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela, Widodo will also have a first-hand look at the province. He is due to meet with local leaders and provincial officials, as well as visiting refugees and victims of the communal clash.
"But he is not scheduled to visit Seram," Max replied when asked if he would visit the island.
Max also revealed that several members of the military's artillery unit were being investigated by military police for involvement in a shooting spree in Ambon several days ago.
Dialog
Meanwhile in Surabaya, East Java, Eastern Fleet Commander Rear Adm. Adi Haryono was quoted by Antara as saying that 900 Marines were dispatched to help secure Ambon and the surrounding areas.
"We already sent the troops from Surabaya as part of the military reinforcement. The previous squads in Ambon also needs to be revitalized, too," he said.
Meanwhile in Yogyakarta, sociologist Lambang Triyono of Gadjah Mada University urged Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri to visit Maluku to settle the prolonged conflict.
"We believe that Ibu Mega is acceptable to both warring parties, the Muslims and the Christians," Lambang said on Monday.
He recommended that a group of mediators be formed, consisting of representatives from the warring communities.
"Intensive dialogs with community and religious leaders here must be done by the mediators and the government so an effective settlement can be reached," he added.
Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto said in Jakarta that he hoped the warring factions in Maluku would take advantage of the coming Christmas and the fasting month of Ramadhan as the impetus to end their hostilities.
Wiranto hoped the spirit of the two major religious events could end the prolonged sectarian violence because ultimately it was the people involved who could effect peace.
"Hopefully during Idul Fitri and Christmas, the process of mutual forgiveness will become a reality," Wiranto said after attending a three-hour Cabinet meeting at the Bina Graha presidential office.
He said the government pursued many means in an attempt to restore peace and security in Maluku, but the situation would not change if people continued blaming each other. (44/48/edt/sur/prb)