Maluku legislators sworn in

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)