Ambon – The Indonesian Military (TNI) warned the separatist Maluku Sovereign Front (FKM) on Friday not to hoist the flag of the South Maluku Republic to mark its anniversary on April 25.

"I will arrest those who hoist the RMS flag," chief of the Pattimura regional military command, Maj. Gen. Agustadi SP, was quoted by Antara as saying.

Maluku Sovereignty Front secretary-general Mozes Tuanakotta had recently said that he and 2,500 supporters of the RMS were ready to hoist the RMS flag on April 25.

He said he was prepared to accept all risks, including being shot by government forces.

"I will not shoot the separatists but I will arrest them and bring them to the authorities for further legal action," Agustadi said in response to Tuanakotta's threat.

Agustadi, however, said additional troops would not be drafted in prior to the RMS anniversary. "We will maintain security the situation as usual. People need not be worried as supporters of the RMS can be detained under the prevailing law," he said.