Tension escalates in Ambon

Tension escalates in Ambon

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Tension has been escalating in the strife-
torn Maluku capital of Ambon following a series of incidents and
an accident that has left nine people dead and several injured in
the past few days.

Seven people drowned on Monday night when a speedboat heading
for Amahusu and Latuhalat villages in Nusaniwe district from
Pantai Benteng sank off Air Salobar, about seven kilometers east
of Ambon.

Witnesses said the speedboat usually carried only 16 to 18
passengers, but when the accident took place the boat was
carrying 28 to 30 people.

"The situation was tense in the city and there was not enough
transportation so people forced their way onto that one boat.

"Strong waves overturned the vessel," a local journalist said
on Tuesday night.

Local authorities and residents were still looking for the
other passengers.

"It's possible some of those passengers survived," the
reporter said.

As of Tuesday night, sounds of gunfire were still heard from
Batu Gantung, Perigi Lima and Pohon Pule in downtown Ambon.

"It's not clear who fired the shots but people are worried.
Residents have to avoid certain areas of Batu Merah - Mardika and
Diponegoro areas since snipers are reportedly still roaming
there.

"It's not safe to travel the streets, especially in the
afternoon. So, after 1 p.m. the roads are usually deserted and no
transportation dares to pass," the journalist added.

The accident brought the death toll to at least nine in a week
of renewed violence on Ambon island. (49/edt)