M. Azis Tunny, Ambon – Heavy security failed to discourage supporters waving their flags in Ambon, Maluku, on Wednesday, marking a key pro-independence rebel anniversary.
At least five flags of the self-proclaimed South Maluku Republic (RMS) were hoisted Wednesday in three different locations around the city, marking the group's 57th anniversary.
A separatist supporter, identified as JM, was found with the Benang Raja flag, as it is known locally, under his shirt when searched by police officers during a sweep in the separatist stronghold of Kudamati, late Tuesday.
Maluku Police spokesman Adj. Sr. Comr. Tomy Napitupulu said Wednesday the red-white-green-blue flags were quietly hoisted by separatist supporters before being lowered by police. "They raised the flags quietly, probably between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.," he told The Jakarta Post. The flags were confiscated by police.
Tomy said that JM has been named a suspect and the case was under investigation. "This man was apprehended for the same offense on April 25 last year," he said, without elaborating on what legal action was taken against the man.
Around 6,000 police and military personnel guarded several strategic locations, particularly in the city of Ambon. Army chief Gen. Djoko Santoso said the military was supported by Maluku Police in guarding Ambon during the anniversary.
Ambon and Maluku were peaceful Wednesday, with residents going about their daily routines and junior high school students taking the three-day national examinations.
"We increased security and conducted sweeps to prevent separatist movement supporters from hoisting their flags. Their actions may trigger new conflict with other groups against their movement," Tomy said. "So far, the situation in Maluku remains secure."
A flag-hoisting incident in 2004 triggered three days of clashes and violence in Ambon between separatist supporters and opponents, leaving at least 41 people dead and dozens of others injured. Most of those who were killed were shot by unidentified gunmen.
Territorial assistant at the Pattimura Military Command, Col. Yudi Zanibar, told the Post on Wednesday that this year's flag-hoisting did not trigger any violence within the community. "The peaceful situation indicates that people are no longer easily provoked," he said.
The separatist movement was crushed shortly after its declaration in 1950 but the rebels regrouped following the fall of former president Soeharto in 1998.
Ambon was ravaged by sectarian conflict between Muslims and Christians, which erupted in January 1999, but three years of violence ended following the signing of the Malino peace deal in 2002.