Shoot-on-site order issued in Maluku

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)