Ambon – Maluku island in Indonesia's Maluku province has been declared a foreigner-free zone, head of the provincial immigration office Wiryono said here on Saturday.

Foreigners who want to visit Maluku island should obtain permission from the Civilian Emergency Authority in Ambon, he was quoted by Antara as saying.

The decision was made because Maluku island, notably the provincial capital of Ambon, had just recovered from a prolonged, bloody, sectarian conflict, which broke out in early 1999, he said.

The provincial immigration office had posted officers at all points of entry into Ambon in particular and Maluku island in general, to monitor the comings and goings of foreigners, he said.

The provincial immigration office had been assigned to the task since last January 22, he said.

Asked on the upcoming visit of UN representatives to attend the opening of a UN representative office here, Wiryono said they must obtain permission from the Civilian Emergency Authority.

Wiryono, however, said the plan to inaugurate the UN office here on March 29 has been canceled until further notice following the US invasion of Iraq.