TNI urged to probe guns used in Ambon clashes

JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives urged the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Thursday to investigate the source of the weapons used in the continuing communal clashes in Maluku.

"TNI and local military commanders should check whether the weapons belong to their troops or were obtained from other parties," House Deputy Speaker for political affairs and security Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno said.

Combatants in Maluku have been observed using homemade rifles with military-issue ammunition during communal clashes which first erupted in the province in mid-January. Over 600 people have died in the longest sectarian conflict in the country's history.

Soetardjo said he had heard reports the conflicting Muslims and Christians had begun to arm themselves with military weapons.

"It remains unclear whether the factory-made guns were stolen from military soldiers or given to the people by the soldiers," he said, adding that investigating the arms supply in Maluku should be included on the agenda of the newly established House working commission on Ambon.

He also rejected the suggestion that Muslim and Christian communities be separated in order to end the conflict. "The two different religious groups in Maluku have lived in harmony for years. The idea (of separation) does not fit our nation's principle of unity in diversity."

Legislator Ahmad Sumargono suggested during a meeting with President Abdurrahman Wahid on Wednesday that a demarcation line be temporarily established in the provincial capital of Ambon to separate Muslims and Christians, and that security personnel be posted along the line.

The House working commission on Aceh, led by Hartono Mardjono of the Crescent Star Party (PBB), will summon 19 military and civilian figures who were part of the task force established to resolve the conflict in Maluku.

Former TNI chief Gen. Wiranto formed the task force after a second wave of sectarian clashes exploded in Maluku in July. The then chief of the Wirabuana Military Command overseeing Sulawesi, Maj. Gen. Suaidi Marasabessy, headed the group.

Hartono refused to discuss in detail the commission's agenda, but said on Thursday it was expected to find a peaceful solution to the violence in Maluku as quickly as possible.

Meanwhile, legislator Frans FH Matrutty said he suspected weapons used by combatants belonged to military and police officers.

"If there is no evidence that military and police personnel supplied the weapons to the rival parties, there must be gun smuggling (in the territory)," Frans was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

He urged military and police chiefs in Maluku to punish officers found to have supplied guns to combatants in the territory.

A soldier who requested anonymity said it was easy for people to obtain guns and ammunition from the military.

"The ammunition and guns are sold by soldiers who need money to live," he said.

Meanwhile, the situation remained tense in the Maluku capital of Ambon two days before President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri were due to arrive.

Areas of the city were effected by blackouts and roadblocks had been erected along the streets connecting Pattimura Airport to downtown.

A group of reporters arriving from Jakarta was taken by military truck to their hotel due to an absence of public transportation.

Throughout the city, outsiders are searched before being allowed to enter Muslim or Christian neighborhoods. (prb/jun)