FKM defies Maluku authorities

FKM defies Maluku authorities

Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku

The Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM), affiliated with the South
Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement, said 2,500 supporters
would raise the RMS flag in observance of the group's 54th
anniversary on April 25, in defiance of the Maluku authorities.

FKM secretary-general Moses Tuanakota said the banned group
had organized numerous activities across the province, including
the raising of the RMS flag, to mark the independence movement's
anniversary.

"In observing of the RMS' 54th anniversary, supporters and
sympathizers will hold a flag-raising ceremony in our home
village. As a consequence, 2,500 supporters of the RMS are ready
to be shot dead or sent to jail for 20 years," he said during a
press conference here on Friday.

Moses said the Indonesian government did not have the
authority to bar the FKM and its supporters from celebrating the
anniversary because the South Maluku Republic was registered with
the United Nations.

"The Indonesian authorities cannot arrest and jail FKM
supporters because, unlike the separatist movements in Aceh and
Papua, we are fighting for our rights peacefully. Our struggle is
a moral movement, not a violent one," he said.

Moses also challenged the government to bring the RMS issue to
the UN, saying the two sides should allow the International Court
of Justice decide whether the South Maluku Republic is
legitimate.

"To prove the legal truth of the RMS' existence, the RMS issue
should be brought to an international tribunal, not the
Indonesian courts," he said.

Moses also handed out a leaflet in the regency of Central
Maluku that called on people not to heed the government's ban on
the anniversary celebrations. The leaflet also said Maluku was
not part of the Indonesian unitary state.

Acting Maluku Governor Sinyo Harri Sarundayang warned FKM
supporters against celebrating the RMS anniversary, saying
security authorities would take action against those violating
the ban.

Maj. Gen. Agustadi, chief of the Pattimura Military Command
overseeing security in Maluku and North Maluku, also warned that
security authorities would take action against anyone raising the
RMS flag on April 25.

"I have ordered all security personnel to arrest those
violating the ban. Both FKM and RMS are banned organizations and
their supporters are prohibited from taking part in any political
activities," he said after attending a meeting here on Friday.

He also said authorities were considering arresting Moses
immediately for security reasons.

Agustadi repeated his warning to FKM supporters not to raise
the RMS flag, saying that those violating the ban would be
arrested and charged with subversion.

FKM Chairman Alex Manuputty was sentenced to three years in
jail for subversion after being found guilty of inciting people
to raise the RMS flag last April. He is appealing to Jakarta High
Court.

Agustadi also warned the press against writing positive
articles about the RMS, discrediting the government or printing
provocative news about the separatist movement. He said the press
should remain neutral.