Security clash in Ambon

Clarification is still needed about what actually happened in the village of Kudamati in Ambon to shed light on the incident that broke out between the police and the Army's Special Force.

An investigation into the incident is needed to uncover the real matter behind the violence, not only to facilitate correct and fair legal action, but also to prevent such an incident from recurring.

The incident was ironical, a blow to the peace initiative that seeks an end to the violence and conflict in Ambon if it is set in the new context of the determination of administrations both in Ambon and Jakarta.

The government has not only issued five steps to resolve the Ambon conflict but it has also taken further steps by banning the Maluku Sovereignty Front and the Republic of South Maluku as well as demanding that Laskar Jihad leave Ambon.

Wouldn't it be called a blow if, in the process, a violent incident broke out and involved the security forces?

Again, we glimpse the seriousness of the incident involving our own security forces. It is not enough to attribute it to insufficient coordination, otherwise a similar incident may easily recur.

We have to grasp the irony or the setback inherent in the incident in regards to the joint efforts to end violence in Ambon, and realize the Malino II peace treaty to restore peace, brotherhood and reconciliation to the shattered communities.

-- Kompas, Jakarta