Maluku charges 129 with treason for raising RMS flag

Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon, Maluku

Police in Maluku have charged 129 people with treason after they were allegedly caught hoisting the flag of the South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement during its 53th anniversary on April 25.

"The 129 detainees have been officially charged with treason," said Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Bambang Sutrisno on Saturday.

Under article 106 of the Criminal Code, suspects face up to 20 years in jail for treason.

"We will submit their dossiers to the prosecutors office as soon as possible," Bambang said.

Police went all out to prevent locals hoisting the RMS flag on its anniversary. Police said they arrested others as they held secret meetings to prepare for the occasion.

One of the suspects is a police officer identified as Andre Kakisina. Police arrested Andre as he was making uniforms for the RMS paramilitary members.

The RMS separatist movement has regained popularity, mainly among Maluku's Christian communities, following a three-year conflict with Muslims on the island.

Responding to growing calls for the government to hold talks with the RMS, the Maluku administration said this was unlikely.

"If there is an idea to do so, we will consider it (negotiation), but it's unlikely for us to take this measure," Maluku acting governor Sinyo Harry Sarundajang said Saturday.

Maluku Military Commander Maj. Gen. Agustadi dismissed the idea, saying that negotiating with banned organizations did not make sense.

"We have disbanded the organization (RMS) and should we engage in talks with them, that's like acknowledging them. So why should we hold any dialogue," he said.

Calls have grown to hold talks with the separatists following RMS' anniversary on April 25. The movement cited the Indonesian government's stance to negotiate with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

GAM has been fighting for the independence of the resource rich province of Aceh since 1976. The war has claimed more than 10,000 lives, mainly civilians. A peace agreement signed last year appears to be collapsing.

The government said that opening talks with the RMS was not the answer for Maluku as the movement lacked support from the people.

Sinyo said that only a few people in Maluku were willing to identify themselves with the struggle of RMS.

"It's final. Maluku is part of Indonesia, and there is just no place for the separatist movement here," he said.