Maluku separatist commander arrested
Maluku separatist commander arrested
Muhammad Aziz Tunny
The Jakarta Post
Ambon, Maluku
Police say they have arrested the alleged commander of the
South Maluku Republic (RMS) separatist movement, and eight other
RMS members in a raid on his house while they were planning the
celebration of the movement's 54th anniversary on April 24.
The raid took place on Saturday night at the house of the
alleged RMS military commander, Jhon Rea.
"We arrested the RMS commander and eight RMS members while
they were holding a clandestine meeting," said Ambon and Lesae
Islands Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Teguh Budi Prasojo on Sunday.
"We will track down anyone who is involved in this illegal
organization."
The arrest of a senior RMS member comes amid heightened
tension in Maluku, as the group said they would push ahead with
the celebration of its anniversary despite a government ban.
Teguh said police found documents dated May 2002, which showed
RMS appointing Jhon to lead the movement's military wing.
Police also learned of two other high ranking RMS members
after interrogating Jhon, he added. They were RMS secretary,
Edward Latuhihin and its first deputy chairman Jon Abraham.
"We've got Edward but Jon Abraham is still at large," said
Teguh adding that Edward worked at the Ambon municipality.
The eight others arrested during Saturday's raid were Piter
Rea, Johanis Tuhuteru, Jefri Soulisa, Yoseph Lesnussa, Elisa
Roberto Mathenahoruw, Reinhard Nanlohy, Philipus Nurlatu and
Sandi Lalopua.
Police in Maluku have warned locals against participating in
the celebration of the separatist group's anniversary this
Thursday.
Last year, police arrested dozens of members and supporters of
the Maluku Sovereignty Forum (FKM) during an RMS flag-raising
ceremony to mark the group's 53th anniversary.
The South Jakarta District Court sentenced FKM chairman Alex
Manuputty to three years in jail for subversion. Manuputty has
filed an appeal with the Jakarta High Court.
Teguh said the nine RMS members claimed to have no connection
with Manuputty's FKM.
"But the relation between RMS, its members and FKM in Maluku
is under investigation," Teguh said.
He added that a number of documents related to RMS' operations
in Maluku and in the Netherlands were also discovered during the
raid.
Elsewhere in Ambon, a man was shot in the arm for resisting a
body search by military personnel when they became suspicious
about his movements.
"When we searched him he resisted so we simply shot him," said
First Sgt Paulus Modo from the Udhayana military command which
oversees Maluku.
The victim, whose name was not released, was rushed to the
Ambon General Hospital. According to Paulus, he suffered no
serious injuries.
RMS regained popularity some three years ago during the height
of fighting between Christians and Muslims in the province.
Since the sectarian conflict erupted in January 1999, more
than 6,000 people have died and some 750,000 others have fled the
province.
The level of violence has reduced significantly since both
sides signed the Malino peace agreement last year.
Sporadic killing and bomb attacks however continue. Many fear
the incidents are attempts to mar the peace deal and renew the
conflict.
The government has imposed a state of civil emergency on the
province but provincial councillors say they hoped it will soon
be revoked.