Maluku imposes news blackout

Oktovianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon

Besides extending the curfew in Ambon, Maluku authorities under the state of civil emergency have banned both local and foreign media from exposing the situation in the restive province on the eve of the South Maluku Republic (RMS) secessionist movement's anniversary on April 25, 2002.

Paula Renyaan, deputy North Maluku governor, told The Jakarta Post here on Monday that the ban that came into effect on April 10, 2002, would prevail until April 30, 2002, to avoid any media coverage of the separatist movement for security reasons.

"The civil emergency administrator has made the decision in order to create a feeling of safety among the people as well to restore security and order in the province. The ruling is not only for local media but also for foreign journalists," she said.

Foreign journalists and non-governmental organizations have been banned from entering the province ahead of the RMS anniversary.

Paula said the authorities have also been closely monitoring activities of all foreigners who had been in the province before the ruling was issued.

RMS supporters have said that despite Alex Manuputty's arrest, they would go ahead with their plan to hoist the RMS flag to mark the province's independence.

RMS was established in 1950 by people loyal to Dutch colonial rule who staged a revolt against the Indonesian government.

Separately, Brig. Gen. Soenarko, chief of the Maluku Provincial Police, said Governor Saleh Latuconsina in his capacity as administrator of the civil emergency had decided to extend the curfew from the previous 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. to between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

"This new ruling which is effective as of April 22, 2002 until April 28, 2002 has been made to allow security authorities to be in control of the situation in the coming week," he said.

Adj. Sr. Comr. Johny Tangkudung, chief of the detective unit at the provincial police said that Manupputty, who was arrested last week, would be charged with treason because he promoted a pro-independence flag-raising ceremony.

"We have enough evidence to show that he was agitating people during a delicate time in which we are working toward peace. According to Article 106 of the Criminal Code, he could be charged with subversion," he said.