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)