Gov't offices quiet, Maluku still tense

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.