Maluku separatists vow to defy TNI

Maluku separatists vow to defy TNI

AMBON, Maluku: Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) activists vowed
to hoist separatist flags here on Sunday and defy a government
ban on such activities.

FKM secretary general Moses Tuwanakotta said his group would
go ahead with the flag-raising ceremony on April 25, which he
said was the FKM's 54th anniversary day.

"The military and police have threatened to shut down our
commemoration activities, but (the flag) must fly," he said.

Moses said he had remained in contact with FKM leader Alex
Manuputty who fled to the United States after he was convicted
for treason by an Indonesian court last year.

Alex always asked about the FKM's independence struggle in
Maluku, Moses said.

Pattimura Military commander Brig. Gen. Ginting Munthe said he
had been ordered to deal sternly with any separatist activities
on the day. --JP