Five flags of the secessionist South Maluku Republic (RMS) were flown Saturday coinciding with the separatist anniversary in their stronghold Aboru village in Haruku Island district, Central Maluku regency.

"There were five flags hoisted in Aboru today," an Aboru informal leader, John Malawau, said over the phone on Saturday, adding that the sitution was "just fine."

Meanwhile, Maluku Police chief Brig. Gen. Totoy Hermawan Indra said they were checking "rumors" of the incidents. Aboru has been labeled as a separatist village as many separatist leaders hail from the village.