Shoot-on-site order issued in Maluku

AMBON, Maluku (JP): The chief of Pattimura Military Command overseeing Maluku, Brig. Gen. Max Tamaela, has issued a shoot-on- site order against anyone attempting to incite unrest.

Tamaela was responding to rumors that there would be a new flare-up of violence on Wednesday, which marks the first anniversary of the eruption of the conflict.

"Don't play with the military. There will be no compromise. Those found instigating riots will be shot," Tamaela said.

Rumors have circulated that a rampage has been prepared to "commemorate" the first year of the sectarian clash in Ambon.

Tamaela said 12 military battalions stationed in Ambon were ready to anticipate any possible chaos.

Tamaela also said Jan. 23 would be the deadline for civilians to surrender guns, including homemade rifles.

"Those who violate the order will be sent to court," he said. According to Indonesian law, civilians are prohibited from possessing guns without a special permit.

Tamaela also threatened to take stern measures against illegal vendors of liquor. "The deadline is also Jan. 23. Those violating the order will have to deal with the police," he said.

What started as an argument between a student and a driver on Jan 19, 1999, erupted into a bloody year-long clash, which after Christmas spread to the North Maluku area.

Some 2,000 people have reportedly died and thousands more have sought refuge.

Tamaela said the military presently does not have an exact figure on the death toll.

Clashes have been reported in the district of Leisitu, Central Maluku, since Saturday due to fighting between residents of Wakal and Hitu village. Seven have reportedly died.

"One of the victims was Sgt. Sugiono of the Airborne Squad," Tamaela said.

Meanwhile, a member of the Army's Special Force (Kopassus), who was arrested for violating the curfew on Saturday, escaped on Sunday before he could be interrogated at the local Military Police Headquarters in Ambon.

Tamaela said the escapee was carrying his military identification card but had no travel papers.

In Jakarta, acting North Maluku Governor Surasmin said order was restored in the new province, although minor clashes were reported in several districts.

"In general, the situation is under control," he said after a meeting with Minister of Home Affairs Surjadi Soedirdja.

Surasmin said the new province was ready for local elections, which are scheduled to take place in three new provinces on June 10.

Despite the return of peace, chief of Bula Military post Capt. Y. Wattimena said hundreds of people were still in hiding in forests on the island of Seram.

Tamaela confirmed the report, adding that a search was under way for at least 100 families of military veterans who migrated to Masohi in Central Maluku, who were also in hiding in forests.

Joint statement

Meanwhile, leading religious and community figures from Maluku ended a two-day meeting on Tuesday in Jakarta and unanimously agreed to stop the violence in their area.

In a joint statement read out by Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina, the participants agreed to end hatred and clashes between Muslims and Christians.

They also urged the military to take quick, firm, but just measures in ending the violence, including confiscation of weapons and punishment of guilty parties.

"The participants of the meeting agreed to stop clashes, hostility and riots in Maluku which have claimed lives and caused losses for Muslims and Christians," they said in the statement.

The meeting was organized by the Ministry of Religious Affairs and attended by about 120 participants. Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander Adm. Widodo A.S., and respected sociologist Selo Soemardjan were among the key speakers at the meeting. The ministry's secretary-general, Marwan Saridjo, officially closed the meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

Maluku chairman of the Indonesian Ulemas Council R.R. Hasanussi, Ambon Bishop Petrus Canisius Mandagi and Maluku Protestant Church Synod chairman Sammy Titaley also attended the forum.

Hasanussi pledged to promote the agreement and said the military should not hesitate to take firm action against anyone.

Mandagi expressed an apology to Muslims and Protestants in Maluku because Catholics were also involved in the tragedy. "We hope that peace will come soon to Maluku," said the bishop.

Titaley said he was committed to the agreement. "We welcome the agreement to stop violence in Maluku," he said. (49/sur/asa/prb)