Couple busted in WW2 bomb remains blast

TERNATE, Maluku: A couple in their 30s have been apprehended following last week's explosion of a 25-kilogram bomb which killed at least six villagers of Tutumaleleo at Galela subdistrict in Halmahera Islands, North Maluku, a police spokesman said here Tuesday.

North Maluku Police chief Lt. Col. Didik Prijandono told Antara that Djon Asu, 35, and wife Yati Djen, 30, were detained on Tuesday last week for allegedly possessing the dangerous bomb, which was believed to be remains from the second world war in the area.

Three other villagers were also wounded in the blast, which occurred shortly after the couple asked one of the victims who died after, Fadli Tomagola, to force open the explosive in order to collect the ammunition.

The three seriously wounded victims are being hospitalized at Galela public health center, some 275 km from the North Maluku district town of Ternate.

"The bomb was forcibly opened to get its ammunition, locally called walirang" which is mainly used here for catching fish," Didik said.

Police said that the bomb was found at the Morotai Islands, which according to locals was a hideout for the American soldiers during World War II.

The price of walirang is about Rp 75,000 (US$9.60) per kilogram here.