New violence in Ambon despite emergency state

AMBON, Maluku (JP): There seems to be no reprieve from violence in Ambon despite the state of civil emergency, as six more people were killed and 12 others injured in clashes on Thursday.

According to information from Dr. Haulussy General Hospital, Bakti Rahayu Private Hospital and Al Fatah Islamic Hospital, most of the victims suffered gunshot wounds or were injured by bomb shrapnel.

One of the fatalities, identified as Hengki Prayogo, was shot in the head by a sniper at about 11 a.m. as he was driving on a road connecting the areas of Pohon Pule and Trikora.

Other fatalities were identified as Elisa Leasa, Ongki Remas, Adjid Uwen and Charles Kaimarehe. They died in separate afternoon incidents across the city.

Later in the day, Sgt. Agus Yatno of the Ambon Police was shot and killed by armed attackers who raided a police station in an attempt to occupy the area.

The latest clashes erupted after a gunfight occurred between speedboats off Teluk Ambon Baguala in the morning.

According to the chief of Maluku's Indonesian Ulemas Council, Malik Selang, four people, including a soldier, were injured in the exchange of fire.

News of the gunfight spread quickly and provoked armed aggressors to take to the streets. Rioters destroyed at least four houses with bombs and grenades in the ensuing violence.

The rampage spread to Pohon Pule at about 11 a.m. and mobs ransacked the area. Security forces appeared unable to prevent the destruction, and explosions and gunfire were still heard in the city as of late Thursday evening.

Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa was quoted by Antara late on Thursday as saying his troops were still sweeping Ambon for guns. "But because of a lack of personnel, many locals are still in possession of massive amounts of weapons."

Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina refused to comment on this latest outbreak of violence, but warned that provocateurs were trying to spread more terror outside the city. "I'm through talking. I'm very concerned about this violence and it is up to the security forces to handle it."

Elsewhere, in the ravaged town of Poso, Central Sulawesi, police shot and killed Aris Rembang early on Tuesday after the victim allegedly attacked the officers.

"Aris was shot in Kasiguncu village, Poso Pesisir district, and died en route to the hospital," Wirabuana Military Command spokesman Lt. Col. Mulyono said on Thursday.

At least 170 people were killed and thousands fled their homes when rioting broke out in Poso on May 23. (49/27/edt)