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.