Maluku legislators sworn in

AMBON, Maluku: Amid security worries, the 45 members of the provincial legislative body were sworn in on Thursday in a ceremony at the gubernatorial office, instead of the legislature building.

Shortly before the inauguration ceremony, security personnel dispersed a group of supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) who planned to hold a rally against the party's representative in the legislative council.

Elias Soplely of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said the newly inducted legislators would begin on Friday deliberation of the council's internal rules and selection of regional representatives to the People's Consultative Assembly.

Fresh violence shook Ambon on Friday last week when security troops opened fire on a group of protesters, claiming at least 12 lives and injuring scores.

As order is gradually restored, the state-owned Merpati Nusantara airline has announced plans to resume its commercial flightd next Monday.

Airline staff member Capt. Adi Widya said Maluku Police chief Col. Bugis Saman and deputy governor Brig. Gen. Paula Renyaan had guaranteed the safety of all flights. (48/edt)