Small bomb tests Ambon's fragile peace
Small bomb tests Ambon's fragile peace
Oktavianus Pinontoan, The Jakarta Post, Ambon
The fragile peace in Ambon was shattered on Tuesday when a
homemade bomb exploded near a public transportation vehicle in
the predominantly Muslim area of Batu Merah, which led to stone
throwing and the torching of a vehicle belonging to the local
diocese.
The violence erupted while four ministers and several other
officials from Jakarta were meeting with the interim Maluku
governor, Sinyo Harry Sarundayang, at his residence in the Mangga
Dua area.
Three men were wounded, one from the explosion and two from
the stone pelting, which shattered the windows of the targeted
vehicle. The back window of another vehicle was shattered from
the explosion.
Following the incident at about 10:45 a.m., nearby roads were
closed, while other streets became immediately deserted. The
situation returned to normal in the afternoon, however, employees
and other office workers went home early.
"People are fed up, they're not easily influenced," said
Donald H., a public transportation driver.
The wounded were First Sgt. Edi Suatima of the artillery
battalion, driver Edi Singkeri and another driver, Agus Soulili.
The incident, one of many since the Malino peace agreement was
signed on Feb. 23 last year, "is one of several attempts by
irresponsible people who wish to create disruptive conditions,"
Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Pol. Bambang Sutrisno said.
Police are searching for a man who is about 1.60 meters tall
and wearing a yellow jacket and black trousers.
The Malino agreement has brought relative peace to the area.
Nevertheless, at least five explosions and more than 10 bomb
threats have attempted to shatter the frail peace.
People in Maluku have become less easily provoked than before,
especially with the exit of the Laskar Jihad Islamic militia and
the arrest of separatist Maluku Sovereignty Forum (FKM) leader
Alex Manuputty, police said.
Manuputty, who is facing criminal charges in Jakarta, was in
Ambon on Tuesday to attend last week's meeting of traditional
leaders. He is scheduled to attend a court hearing in Jakarta on
Monday, however, he arrived in Ambon last Saturday, together with
National Police chief Gen. Dai Bachtiar.
Prosecutor Herry Koedoeboen told The Jakarta Post that he was
not informed that the defendant would not be appearing in court,
and his continued presence in Ambon, together with another FKM
leader, Semmy Waeleruny, has raised speculation as to whether the
explosion was an attempt to discredit the FKM.