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.