Intelligence surveillance upped after bomb threats

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.