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