Fresh violence breaks out in Maluku, 11 people killed

Fresh violence breaks out in Maluku, 11 people killed

JAKARTA (JP): At least 11 were killed on Sunday morning in the
latest outbreak of violence in Maluku, which this time hit the
two islands of Haruku and Saparua to the east of Ambon island,
where recent riots claimed at least 105 lives.

All 11 deaths were reported from Haruku, Antara said. The
agency did not say what triggered the violence.

But the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) accused the
police's Mobile Brigade unit there of arbitrarily shooting to
death five villagers at the Waimital hamlet of Haruku's Hulaliu
village.

Antara quoted Haruku subdistrict head Suwardi Koli as its
source on the number of casualties.

Suwardi said 43 people sustained injuries and were being
treated separately at a local community health center in Pelau
village, in Ambon's Dr. Latumeten hospital and in a hospital in
Saparua.

Nurse Joice Loisina at the Saparua hospital was quoted as
saying that two injured people had died and had been sent back to
Haruku and 10 others were being treated for gunshot wounds.

The news agency did not explain if the two dead in Saparua had
been included in Suwardi's body count.

PGI said four people were shot on the spot in Waimital, while
one died and another was in a critical condition in Saparua
hospital. Five others sustained serious injuries.

In its statement sent to The Jakarta Post Sunday night,
PGI accused the police of ambushing the villagers.

"No ABRI (Armed Forces) officers were seen securing the road,
no signs or warnings given, no prohibition for entering Waimital
and no blockade was set up," the statement signed by PGI Crisis
Center Coordinator Sereida Tambunan said.

PGI identified the victims as Christian Noya, shot in the
neck; Martin Tahapary, shot in the left eye; Agus Noya, shot in
the chest; Franki Tanate and shot in the neck. Johanis
Leiwakabessy, who died in Saparua hospital, was shot in the hip.

The incident took place at 9.30 a.m. on Sunday, it said.

PGI said that earlier in the day, at about 5 a.m., a mob from
Pelau village attacked Kariu village. PGI, quoting local sources,
said at least 20 houses were destroyed and some people might have
been killed.

Some women survivors had to cross a hill to get to another
village, while some Kariu men were holding their ground at a
local church. The village was isolated by ABRI, and telephone
communications were cut, PGI said.

"It's not clear what they would eat and how the injured would
be treated," PGI said.

Antara said at least 30 houses were burned in Haruku's Kariu
village.

A few hours after the violence broke out in Haruku, another
incident occurred in Saparua. Saparua police subprecinct chief
First Lt. Tatuh said no deaths had been reported, according to
the news agency.

But 18 houses in Saparua's Waisisil area and Ketapang village
were burned, he said.

Tatuh said local villagers became restless after hearing from
a local hospital that there had been casualties in a clash on the
neighboring island.

"For the moment, it's under control," he said, but added there
were around 60 villagers taking refuge at his police station.

Sunday's violence was the newest series in a string of clashes
between indigenous Christians and migrant Muslims, which started
last month on the first day of the Muslim Idul Fitri
celebrations.

On the latest clash in Haruku, Suwardi said: "One thing for
sure is that there are no reports of worship houses being damaged
or burned".

Suwardi said the situation remained tense after the violence
broke out.

The news agency reported that Governor Saleh Latuconsina,
himself of Haruku origin, visited the riot-hit area, calling for
calm among his people.

Ambon police chief Col. Karyono also visited Haruku on Sunday
together with Ambon military chief Col. Karel Ralahalu. They were
quick to blame the outbreak of unrest on "provocateurs". (aan)