Maluku leader dies of gunshot wounds

AMBON, Maluku (JP): A Maluku community leader Agus Wattimena of the predominantly-Christian Kuda Mati area died on Tuesday night, residents and officials said on Wednesday.

Neighbors heard gunshots at his residence in Kuda Mati subdistrict, Nusaniwe district, around 7:30 p.m. before finding him bleeding due to gunshot wounds to the head and the arm.

He was rushed to Dr. Haulussy General Hospital for immediate treatment, which is located only 200 meters from his house, but he later died around 9:50 p.m.

Agus was known for his campaign for nonviolence, calling on Muslim and Christian camps to stop fighting and voicing demands that the government resolve the Maluku conflict.

His body will be buried on Thursday afternoon. The family have requested that his death not be investigated.

Unconfirmed reports say that Agus had committed suicide.

Attending Agus' eulogy were Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani, provincial councillor John Mailoa while Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa and Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina were in Jakarta.

Agus's death shocked local residents as he was considered a popular and influential grassroots' leader.

"We hope his death will not anger people or lead to unnecessary speculations," a local journalist said.

Meanwhile, tension has risen in Maluku in the past few days following acts of provocation creating friction among the people.

Lasykar Jihad security task force is reported to have been broadcasting their physical training in Ambon through local "Gema Suara Muslim" radio, while separately there were also reports on the planned hoisting of RMS (Republik Maluku Selatan) flag on April 25.

"People are anxious about possible conflict between the two groups (RMS elements and Lasykar Jihad) that they may 'begin a war'. It is a shame since Maluku is already relatively calm now," the reporter said.

"Such provocation is increasing day by day ... especially announcements through illegal radio broadcasting," Ambon Security Sector chief Col. N. Gede Sugiartha told The Jakarta Post by phone from Ambon.

"Therefore the governor as chief administrator of the state of civil emergency has issued an order early this week for security authorities to crack down on illegal radios operating in Maluku. Such transmissions have contributed to the ongoing conflicts here," he said. (edt/49)