Tension high in Ambon ahead of Aug. 17 celebrations
Tension high in Ambon ahead of Aug. 17 celebrations
AMBON, Maluku (JP): Tension gripped Ambon on Monday ahead of
the Aug. 17 Independence Day celebrations as rumors of renewed
massive attacks continued to spread fear among the city's
residents.
Sounds of explosions and gunfire were still heard until late
in the day in several parts of the city, including Pohon Pule,
Diponegoro, Tanah Lapang Kecil and the no-man's-land between the
restive Batu Merah and Mardika districts, forcing the locals to
stay on the alert at all times.
"We have nothing to celebrate here. Most parts of Ambon have
been destroyed. We don't have any flags to hoist or decorative
banners," a local journalist said.
"It's weird that shots and explosions are going off everywhere
and yet it is not clear to what purpose the perpetrators are
doing it."
Among the areas reportedly targeted next by the rioters are
the Saparua islands in Central Maluku regency as well as Paso and
Galala.
"The rioters have spread news, saying that those areas must
fall into their hands on Aug. 18," the reporter said.
Civil emergency administrator Maluku Governor Saleh
Latuconsina, however, strongly urged the people not to be easily
provoked.
"Don't let those rioters play with the situation and end up
creating unrest here. Usually the rumors come true. But this
time, let's stop it together," Latuconsina said.
On Monday, the governor along with Maluku Police chief Brig.
Gen. Firman Gani, Pattimura Military Commander Brig. Gen. I Made
Yasa and related officials set up a joint board to uphold law and
order in Ambon during the period of the civil emergency in the
islands.
"This board's main task is to deal with violations committed
by civilians or biased members of the security forces.
"We do not want a small incident such as the looting of
roofing materials or robbery to become a catalyst for widespread
disturbances... like what happened in Friday's violence which
killed six people," Yasa said.
Firman Gani also added that the National Police in Jakarta had
shipped three container-loads of ammunition and brand new AK-47
and SS-1 rifles along with uniforms and other supplies for police
personnel serving in Maluku.
"It is supposed to arrive here this week."
The National Police have bought a total of 16,000 new rifles
to be distributed in the three conflict-prone provinces of
Maluku, Aceh and Irian Jaya," Firman said.
Red Cross
Earlier in the day, Governor Latuconsina met with Indonesian
Red Cross (PMI) chairman Mar'ie Muhammad at Pattimura Airport for
the handover of humanitarian aid for victims in both Maluku and
North Maluku.
A total of 1,000 packs of blood, each containing 250 cc, along
with three tons of rice, 1,500 plastic mattresses, 1,000 blankets
and 12 collies of medicine supplies were provided for the Maluku
capital of Ambon in a modest ceremony at the airport.
In the case of Ternate town in North Maluku, the PMI donated
300 blood packs and 100 toilet seats.
In Bitung town in North Sulawesi, an area which hosts
thousands of Maluku refugees, the PMI will also hand over 12
collies of medicine and 300 blood packs on Tuesday.
"I will also ask MSF (Medicins Sans Frontiers, an
international healthcare NGO) to provide medical equipment and
devices," Mar'ie added.
Meanwhile, Health Ministry Office chief in Maluku, Budiharto,
said that it is hard to find blood donors in Ambon.
"It's difficult to preserve blood packs here as the
electricity can go on and off at anytime," he said. (49/edt/jaw)