Governor demands peace from community leaders
Governor demands peace from community leaders
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina ordered
on Friday all religious and community leaders to support the
peace process by refraining from making provocative speeches.
Gubernatorial Decree No. 8/PDSDM/2000 dated June 30 bans
speeches at mosques and churches which call for war.
"I urge all community leaders, Muslim and Christian, to stop
provoking their followers," Latuconsina said on Friday.
The message was distributed to the heads of Maluku's
Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), the Indonesian Communion of
Churches (PGI), the Protestant Synode Church and the Amboina
Catholic diocese.
Ambon was relatively calm on Friday. Gunfire and explosions,
however, were occasionally heard in the subdistricts of Batu
Gantung and Tanah Lapang Kecil and on Jl. Baru.
Latuconsina also called on all administrative officials to
resume work.
"All officials have to return to Ambon immediately. If they do
not, they must appoint someone to carry out their daily work,"
the governor said.
Business, school and administrative activities generally
remained at a standstill. State Bank Indonesia, however, resumed
its activities on Friday.
A massive gun sweeping operation will be conducted if no
significant results of the emergency status are accomplished by
Saturday, the governor added.
The new Pattimura Military chief, Col. I Made Yasa, said
troops were posted at several areas prone to conflict, such as
Urimesing, Batu Gajah and Bere-Bere, on Friday.
Instead of driving a car, he used an armored vehicle.
Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani also revealed that
so far 50 percent of about 400 police personnel at large had
reported to nearby units and posts.
He warned the rioters who recently ransacked police arsenals
to return the weaponry. "We will track down and seize the stolen
weaponry by force if necessary," Firman said.
In Jakarta, Minister of Law and Legislation Yusril Ihza
Mahendra said martial law could not be imposed on Maluku because
no armed separatist movement was taking place there. (49/edt/jun)