RMS flags raised in Ambon city

RMS flags raised in Ambon city

M. Azis Tunny, The Jakarta Post, Ambon

Despite a heavy security presence in Ambon, several flags of the
self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic (RMS) were raised on Monday
to mark its 55th anniversary.

According to information from the Ambon and Lease Islands
Police, five RMS flags were raised in four separate locations in
Ambon. There are reports that four flags also were raised on
Haruku island.

The chief of the Ambon and Lease Islands Police, Adj. Sr.
Comr. Leonidas Braksan, said the flags were raised by members of
the separatist Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) sometime after
midnight on Monday.

"I received reports of flags being raised at several
locations, including four locations on Ambon island," Leonidas
told The Jakarta Post on Monday, adding that his officers were
working to arrest those responsible for raising the
flags.

Similar celebrations last year triggered communal clashes that
claimed at least 38 lives and left hundreds more injured. In
1999, sectarian violence in Ambon killed thousands and left
hundreds of thousands more injured.

In the village of Passo, two RMS flags were found near a
Mobile Brigade (Brimob) police post on Monday.

The two flags were found by Baguala Police chief First Insp.
Denny Nanlohy, who criticized residents who were supposed to be
on neighborhood watch early on Monday.

A group of Passo residents gathered at 10 a.m. to march to
Ambon city, some 13 kilometers away, to protest the officer's
remarks. Residents said Brimob personnel should accept blame for
the incident.

However, the residents were dispersed by the police, who
feared a protest could trigger clashes.

"If we allowed (the protest) it could be dangerous because the
Passo residents, most of whom are Christian, would have to pass
through Muslim neighborhoods to reach Ambon. This could trigger a
new conflict," Denny said.

Also, a suspicious package was reported near the Trinitas
Science Institute in Halong Atas village. The bomb squad was
dispatched and determined the package was not a bomb.

The home of FKM executive leader Alex Manuputty in Kudamati
was quiet on Monday. There was little activity in the surrounding
area, which used to be known as an RMS stronghold.

Some Kudamati residents praised the security measures taken
this year, adding that the image of the area as an RMS outpost
hurt residents.

"For instance, if our children want to work in a government
office or want to join the military or the police, they always
face some suspicion. Many residents use different addresses for
their identity cards," said the head of Kudamati village, Louis
Paais.

Ambon has been on high alert since Friday ahead of the RMS
anniversary. This alert status will remain in place until at
least April 27.