Violence continues in Maluku province

Violence continues in Maluku province

AMBON, Maluku (JP): Sporadic attacks occurred at several
locations across Saparua and Ambon islands in Maluku province
over the weekend, leaving one dead.

Secretary of the Klasis Maluku Protestant Church, P.G.
Manopo said here on Sunday afternoon that the first of the
clashes occurred on Saturday morning in Ulath village, Saparua
Island, where armed gangs reportedly attacked using bombs and
mortars.

The first attack was stopped by security personnel. However,
an attack was launched later in the afternoon against Sirisori
village. No security personnel were on hand to deter this attack
which reportedly destroyed 15 houses and left one dead.

The latest attacks continue the spate of offenses launched
against several villages in the area since September.

The attacks have usually targeted villages which are
religiously homogeneous.

Saparua island is located about 100 kilometers east of Ambon.

On Sunday morning, Manopo added, another clash broke out in
the same area.

Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Firman Gani confirmed on
Saturday evening the attack that occurred on Saparua island.

He said he would suggest to Governor Saleh Latuconsina and
Military commander Brig. Gen. I Made Yasa the establishment of a
joint police and military unit in all riot-prone villages on
Saparua island to improve security.

Separately, on Sunday evening in Ambon, violence broke out in
the Mardika, Urimessing, Waititar, Batugantung, and Karangpanjang
areas. No casualties were reported in the brief conflicts.

Meanwhile in Ternate, visiting House of Representatives
Speaker Akbar Tandjung suggested that the state of civil
emergency that had been imposed on North Maluku since June be
revoked.

Akbar said during a visit to the province on Sunday that
conditions had improved and there was no longer any need for the
area to be designated with such an emergency classification,
adding that he would discuss the matter with President
Abdurrahman Wahid once he returns to Jakarta.

"Community and religious leaders, political parties, the
youth, have all succeeded in creating a conducive climate," he
said as quoted by Antara.(49/lup)