Military steps up security in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Security has been intensified in Maluku islands following escalating tension in several riot-hit villages, which has forced many residents to flee their homes.

A staff member at the Ambon Civil Emergency Post, Maj. Martin Luther Djari, said on Thursday that the Ambon Military Command had deployed two battalions to reinforce security.

Meanwhile, Pattimura Military Command sent two battalions of troops to neighboring Saparua island in Central Maluku to replace a joint Navy, Air Force and Army battalion, led by Maj. (Inf.) Ricky Samuel, which will be sent back to Ambon.

Martin said intensified security had prevented further bloodshed on Thursday morning in Suli village, Salahutu district, Ambon island, when residents from neighboring Tulehu and Tial villages arrived with the intention of attacking Suli village.

"The joint armed forces reinforcements in the village dispersed rioters in anticipation of a similar attack on Monday," he said.

Martin said security personnel and the rioters were involved in an hour of gunfight, but there were no immediate reports of fatalities.

In Monday's attack, five people were injured and at least 50 houses were burned down when Tulehu and Tial residents attacked Suli village with guns and fire.

Tension was apparent in nearby Waitatiri village in Salahutu district and Passo village in Teluk Ambon Baguala district following the attack, which forced many residents to take shelter in other villages and provinces, while those who remained braced for another attack.

Separately, Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa said on Thursday that he had ordered security personnel to conduct sweeping operations to disarm locals as well as to approach local religious and community leaders and appeal for help in settling the communal conflict on Saparua island.

Later on Thursday, Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina and other civil emergency leaders held a closed-door coordinative meeting with four visiting staffers from the Office of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs.

Both coordinator of the coordinating minister's office's delegation Jussi Riyanto and Governor Latuconsina refused to comment on the extension of the state of civil emergency in Maluku province.

The three-month state of emergency, ending on Sept. 27, was declared in June in an effort to restore peace and order in the riot-torn province.

Latuconsina said the possible extension of the state of civil emergency would further be discussed with the government. He did not elaborate.

In a related development, a series of attacks in Hative Besar village, Teluk Ambon Baguala district, over the past two days has left villagers in fear.

Local residents say loud explosions can be heard in the evenings in nearby Sirimau and Nusaniwe districts. (49/lup)