Military steps up security in Maluku

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)