Officials plan Maluku security before holy days
Officials plan Maluku security before holy days
AMBON, Maluku (JP): In a bid to prevent more sectarian
fighting during the upcoming religious festivities in late
December and at New Year, leaders of the violence plagued Maluku
province met on Tuesday to talk about security plans.
The two-hour meeting led by Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina
decided, among other things, to field soldiers and police in all
spots considered vulnerable to clashes.
Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa, Maluku
Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani, head of the State
Prosecutors' Office I.D.K. Kresna, Ambon Navy Chief Col. Didi
Setiadi and Provincial Legislative Council speaker Etty Sahuburua
attended the meeting at Latuconsina's office.
"The Military and Police chiefs agreed to prevent conflicts
during the religious holidays and the New Year's eve celebration.
Mass mobilization by the warring groups must be anticipated,"
Latuconsina said. "We will make sure that mosques and churches
are safe from any troublemakers."
The Muslim Idul Fitri holidays will fall on Dec. 27 and 28 and
many Malukans have worried that more violence would erupt ahead
of the holy days.
Sectarian clashes have been haunting the residents for more
than one year, with all steps by the government ineffective at
stopping the fighting. Thousands have been killed during the
"civil war."
While waiting for the arrival of two companies of marines from
Jakarta to bolster security at Ambon Bay, Latuconsina said he had
ordered Ambon Navy chief to immediately set up two floating
security posts in the bay and man them with existing troops. "The
posts will be at Tanjung Marthafons and Yos Sudarso seaport.
Areas that are prone to conflict."
He said local authorities had also decided to send one platoon
of troops and food stuff to Kesui Island, East Seram, Central
Maluku, to help some 500 refugees living in a nearby forest since
Sunday's communal clashes.
"It is possible to evacuate the residents from the forest, if
they want," he added.
Meanwhile, Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Takao Kawakami
is slated to meet with Latuconsina, local officials as well as
the Maluku chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council and Amboina
Diocese to discuss latest situation.
In his two-day visit, the Ambassador is also scheduled to
visit two refugee camps in Kayu Tiga, Soya village, Sirimau
district and in Waihaong subdistrict, in Nusaniwe district before
leafing for Ternate, North Maluku. (49/lup)