Vigil against alien influx in Maluku

Vigil against alien influx in Maluku

JAKARTA (JP): The military command in Maluku has appealed to the local authorities to maintain a vigil against the influx of Filipinos through northern Maluku.

Maj. Gen. I Ketut Wirdhana, chief of the Trikora Command, said there had been an increase in the number of people entering Maluku from southern Philippines which has been troubled by the Moro separatist insurgency.

Speaking at a coordinating meeting on security in Maluku and Irian Jaya in Ambon, Maluku, Wirdhana said the authorities must particularly monitor the presence of these Filipinos for "they may spread teachings and values not consistent with national character", Antara reported yesterday.

Wirdhana said he was particularly concerned about the likelihood of cultural clashes between the migrants and local people.

The general also urged the Maluku authorities to make the necessary preparations for the smooth repatriation of Moluccans now living in the Netherlands.

The pro-Dutch Moluccans, who were promised their own separate state by the outgoing Dutch colonial government, fled the country immediately after Indonesia declared its independence in 1945.

The Indonesian government has kept the doors open for them to return and be reunited with their families all this time.

Wirdhana said more and more of them, including their offspring, have decided to be repatriated, and this meant that the authorities must prepare housing and jobs for them. (emb)