Maluku may get new leaders

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid may soon replace Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina and Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela with individuals who are ethnically and religiously distinct from the warring factions in Maluku.

Ambon Catholic Bishop Petrus Mandagi, speaking after a meeting with the President on Wednesday, told The Jakarta Post that Tamaela would likely be replaced by a Hindu Army officer from Bali, while the governor's post would temporarily be taken over by a senior government official from outside Maluku.

According to the bishop, the President said his decision was not a reflection of disappointment in the two men's performance, but merely an effort to find new people to resolve the prolonged conflict.

No names were disclosed during the meeting and there was also no comment from military sources.

"The longer the officials are in their positions, the less of a sense of crisis they may have," Mandagi quoted Abdurrahman as saying during the meeting at Bina Graha presidential office.

Also present during the meeting was Vatican Ambassador Mgr. Renzo Frantini who conveyed an Idul Fitri greeting from Pope John Paul II to the President.

The President during the meeting also said he ordered the military to take tougher measures to stop the violence.

"The President was very saddened by the ongoing violence in Maluku, and he promised to take all necessary measures to end the tragic events," Mandagi said.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Adm. Widodo A.S. vowed on Wednesday to make an all-out effort to end the bloodshed in Maluku and North Maluku provinces.

Speaking before attending a Cabinet meeting on political affairs and security at Bina Graha presidential office, Widodo said TNI would be ready to send more troops to the area, but pointed out there were already 12 military and police battalions in Maluku, with another two in North Maluku.

Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto disclosed that the government may soon isolate the two provinces, including from media coverage, to prevent outside influences which could foment the violence.

"The isolation does not mean that Maluku will be sealed off (to the outside world) but we hope with the isolation, disproportionate reports can be stopped," he said.

Relative

Earlier in Ambon, Tamaela told journalists that the situation had calmed down on Wednesday with only sporadic reports of violence.

The situation is "relatively" under control, he said as quoted by Antara.

"The forces deployed have succeeded in establishing a barrier between the two parties," he said after visiting several of the areas hit by escalating sectarian fighting in the past week.

What began as a petty sidewalk argument in January 1999 erupted into a communal conflict in the greater Ambon area. The violence spread throughout Maluku, leading to an estimated 1,000 deaths.

It flared up on Halmahera, North Maluku, in the past week, with an estimated 450 killed.

Tamaela called on all parties to remain calm but conceded that the level of animosity was high.

"I recognize that between the two sides there is suspicion, but please restrain yourselves," he urged.

The flow of refugees from various parts of Maluku continued on Wednesday.

At least 110 refugees were taken by ship from Tual, Southeast Maluku, to Surabaya, East Java.

Meanwhile, the head of the crisis coordinating agency in Maluku, Paula Renyaan, said it was endeavoring to extend the arrival of new refugees to areas other than Ambon.

"We estimate the number of refugees being accommodated in Ambon as a result of recent tension has gone up about 40 percent from the original number of 40,000."

Paula argued that Ambon lacked the facilities to accommodate the increasing refugee numbers.

At the Vatican, Pope John Paul II singled out Maluku in a message for peace.

"May the message of peace from Bethlehem echo forcefully in places struck by catastrophe and war, particularly in Maluku," the pontiff told 7,000 pilgrims attending the weekly general audience.

"May this message of peace break the chain of vengeance, heal the wounds of hatred, drive away temptations of violence and encourage Christians and Muslims to see themselves as members of the same human family." (prb/mds)