Intelligence surveillance upped after bomb threats

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The Pattimura Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso said on Saturday that he would intensify intelligence surveillance in Maluku province in a bid to solve the recent spate of bomb scares in its capital city, Ambon.

He said he had discussed the plan with the provincial government and local police so that measures could be taken to tackle the problem.

"I hope the public are willing to help the investigation so that the culprits behind the bomb threats can be captured soon. At least, they (the people) should report anything suspicious to the nearest security post," Djoko was quoted by Antara as saying.

Tension has remained high in the restive city as bomb scares have been occurring every day since a blast on Oct. 9 that injured two policemen and four civilians.

Bombs were said to have been planted in government offices, high schools and business centers.

The central government imposed a state of civil emergency in Maluku in 2000, which remains effective to date.

Sporadic violence has returned to Ambon despite a peace agreement signed in February between the warring groups. The agreement marked the end of the three-year sectarian conflict between Christians and Muslims.

The latest series of bomb scares spread fear among employees in the Ambon mayoral offices, located on Jl. Patimura, on Saturday morning. Staff were sent fleeing from the building after an employee found a suspicious package in a restroom.

"I reported it to security officers as I was afraid and suspicious of the package, which was in a black plastic bag," Jhon Waisapi said, adding that he found the package at 11:15 a.m.

Ambon Police chief Adj. Sr. Comm. Noviantoro said that he could not yet say whether the package contained a bomb as the bomb squad was still studying it.

"I appreciate the reporting of suspicious packages by the public. This is essential so that we can prevent anything untoward from happening," he said.

Meanwhile, city residents -- students, employees and traders -- went about their activities as usual on Saturday.

Sea and land transportation had returned to normal while trade between Christians and Muslims proceeded without any problems.

Some Muslim traders said that they traded with the Christians as they already understood each other.

Security personnel from the police and military remained visible in public places, including offices and banks.

"We are still anxious when we are in the office because the bomb scares can take place anytime and they could turn out to be deadly. However, I want to work so that I can serve the public," said Dela Seilatu, an official in the Maluku governor's office.

Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina expressed the hope that members of the public would not be overly perturbed by the scares, and continue to go about their business as normal.

"I hope the public can continue with their day-to-day activities without being worried as the security forces are trying to find the actors and the networks behind these scares," he said.

Saleh slammed those behind the bomb scares as inhuman.