Gov't offices quiet, Maluku still tense

TUAL, Maluku: There are no signs that normalcy has returned to Tual, Southeast Maluku, after riots and killings broke out here late March.

According to Antara, government offices were almost empty on Monday. At least 130 were killed in recent clashes in the regency last month.

Only three of the 450 employees were seen at the regency office of Southeast Maluku. They were provincial organizers of the upcoming elections.

Office surroundings were unkempt and employees still stayed away despite appeals from surrounding regencies that they come back to work. Offices will be provided with guards, administration secretary Piet Far-Far said.

Residents were still among the refugees in villages.

Action will be taken against any employee proved to have been involved in the rioting. Their involvement could lead to revenge from others, he said.