Civil emergency remains in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Governor Saleh Latuconsina told reporters on Wednesday that the civil emergency status in Maluku still exists, given the current state of the province.

According to Saleh, the major problem of abundant illegal firearms and explosive substances easily found in the province had not been overcome to warrant a lifting of the emergency status.

"Therefore, I think the status is still appropriate to optimize the use of authority. But that depends on the central government who will evaluate our report and the real condition in the field," he said.

Nevertheless, Saleh is optimistic that security is getting better as proven in the past month.

He added that one concrete step that should be undertaken now is to convene a conference encompassing all Maluku representatives.

Saleh also denied accusations that himself, Pattimura Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa and Maluku Police Chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani do not have a good working relationship.

But he admitted that there was some lack of coordination between them which needs to be addressed.(49/hdn)