Jakarta – Indonesian troops and police have arrested about 60 people to quell attempts to mark a separatist anniversary on Friday in the eastern Maluku islands.

The detainees had either sewn or flown flags of the outlawed Republic of South Maluku which were to be hoisted on Friday, said Ambon island district military commander, Lieutenant Colonel Yudi Zanibar.

"The group was arrested in several parts of the island. Many of them quietly raised the flags late last night on hilltops and trees," he told AFP by telephone.

He said a home-made bomb exploded in the Rinjani area of Ambon island butthere were no casualties or damage.

Troops in the Maluku provincial capital Ambon have been searching residents for weapons or flags. A helicopter on Monday dropped leaflets over the city warning that any attempt to celebrate the anniversary is banned.

An extra 400 police are being deployed in Ambon and Haruku island to suppress any attempt to mark the anniversary in 1950 of the proclamation of the republic, Friday's Jakarta Post reported.

People loyal to Dutch colonial rule declared the Republic of South Maluku in 1950 and staged a revolt against newly independent Indonesia.