Jihad Force chief faces questioning

Jihad Force chief faces questioning

AMBON, Maluku (JP): The civil emergency ruler in Maluku,
Governor Saleh Latuconsina, said his administration soon would
summon a number of people for questioning over incidents of
provocation in the ravaged province.

"We've already listed them. Among the people to be summoned is
Laskar Jihad Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamaah (Jihad Force) chief Jafar
Umar Thalib for his provocative speech recorded and broadcast
over the radio on Sept. 3," Latuconsina said on Saturday.

"We will investigate him and ask him to give an account of his
actions, as his speech provoked people during this cooling-off
period and insulted President Abdurrahman Wahid.

"The arrangements and investigation will be handled by Maluku
Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani," Latuconsina said.

Jihad Force held a mass prayer at Al Fatah Mosque in Waehaong
on Sept. 3. Jafar's speech during the event was recorded and
broadcast by Gema Suara Muslim Maluku radio station. According to
the authorities, the speech caused tension among residents.

According to reports, the contents of the broadcast speech
were extremely provocative. In the speech, Jafar said Jihad Force
would not halt its work until Ambon was ruled by Muslims, and he
also condemned Abdurrahman.

Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa supported
Latuconsina's move, saying stern action would be taken against
any party instigating unrests on the islands.

"I fully support the action. We can no longer tolerate
provocateurs, whether they are civilians or security personnel,
Muslims or Christians. We are striving to uphold order here and
those parties better not stir riots," Yasa said.

In another development, the one-month ban imposed on state-
owned Pelni passenger ships entering Maluku's waters has been
lifted and the vessels have been allowed to resume operation
beginning on Monday.

Among the ships are KM Lambelu, KM Rinjani, KM
Dobonsolo, KM Tata Mailau and KM Bukit Siguntang.

"But for security reasons, the Pelni passenger ships have to
dock at Halong Naval Base to undergo a thorough search,"
Latuconsina said.

The authorities have prohibited weapons of any kind from being
brought into the province.

"After the search, the Navy will escort the ships to Yos
Sudarso Port, where passengers can board or disembark," he said.

The Eastern Fleet Security Commander, Commodore Djoko
Sumaryono, said every ship entering Maluku's waters would be
escorted by Navy vessels from the waters off Teluk Ambon Baguala
to Halong Naval Base, located about six kilometers east of Ambon.
(49/edt)