Civil emergency remains in Maluku

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)