Groups of provocateurs identified in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina revealed on Saturday that civil emergency authorities have identified groups of defiant security officers responsible for provoking chaos in the strife-torn province.

"We have identified leaders of the defiant troopers that are stirring chaos in the Malukus by conducting rogue shootings and causing random bomb explosions.

"These men have been closely monitored by the intelligence unit," Latuconsina said in his office.

There are at least six security force personnel who have been transferred to other duties outside Maluku, but are still roaming around Maluku islands, he said.

"We have discussed how to deal with them in the coordination meeting with the Pattimura Military Commander (Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa) and the Maluku Police chief (Brig. Gen. Firman Gani). Another meeting will take place on Monday," he added.

The defiant officers are believed to be responsible for the arson and bombing incidents in Hatualang village in Seram islands on Feb. 21 which killed three residents and injured scores of others.

The authorities, however, will be cautious and not make any reckless arrests.

"We won't bust them now since the situation is relatively calm and their arrest is likely to trigger a massive reaction. But once there is an incident, they will be nailed," he said.

Latuconsina said the defiant personnel have been trying to infiltrate the mobs by provoking people in restive areas and borders of Muslim and Christian areas, such as Batu Merah in Mardika, and Air Kuning in Ahuru.

"We are doing our best to identify potential conflicts and prevent them from spreading," he said.

On Jan. 21, a total of 14 police and military personnel, who allegedly conducted rogue shootings during a disturbance in the Batu Merah area, were arrested in a predawn raid at Hotel Wijaya II by the Joint Security Battalion, comprising three elite military units.

Latuconsina added that the civil emergency authority will retain the Joint Battalion's existence to help restore law and order in Maluku, especially to handle the provocative and defiant actions of troops in the Malukus.

Gunfire was heard at around 11 p.m. local time Saturday at Diponegoro Dalam area in downtown Ambon, apparently following a dispute between locals and the Lasykar Jihad, a local military official said.

"It was actually a minor incident. Locals were having a traditional wedding party and the Lasykar Jihad members objected to the event," a local official said.

Latuconsina further said that Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri has established an additional National Board for Natural Disasters and Refugee Relief.

The Malukus (North Maluku and Maluku) are home to 230,000 refugees.

The governor further said that support for the refugees will continue in conjunction with the rehabilitation effort.

"We won't wait for the conflicts to die down since their (the refugees's) number has swollen to thousands and they are very easy to be provoked and involved in conflicts.

"In many cases refugees become sources of conflict, especially since they are segregated according to their religions. They are also an easy target for rioters," Latuconsina said.

The only mixed refugee camp on the island of Ambon is located at Halong Naval Base, about seven kilometers east of Ambon city, the capital of Maluku province and home to some 8,500 victims of violence.

Several areas involved in rehabilitation schemes are the villages of Nania, Mangga Dua, Negri Lama, Galunggung and Air Kuning.

Meanwhile, Ambon is gearing up to elect its new mayor with the names of the candidates due for submission by April 12. Among prospective contenders are incumbent mayor Col. Chris Tanasale, Ambon Council Speaker M.J. Pailaya and Col. (ret) Markus Selano from Surabaya.

The election will be held in June. (edt/49)