TNI urged to probe guns used in Ambon clashes

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)