AMBON, Maluku (JP): Disputed Maluku was rocked by fresh
violence on Saturday when a group of armed men on a speedboat
sprayed bullets at another vessel en route to Paso Port in Ambon
water of Teluk Ambon Baguala district, killing three passengers
and injuring nine others.
At least one people was declared missing after the incident,
Maluku Civil Emergency spokesman Maj. Heri Suhardi said.
The missing one was probably fell into the water during the
shooting, the officer said.
The incident took place around 7 a.m. local time Saturday when
a packed speedboat from Kamariang village in Seram island of
Central Maluku regency was intercepted by another speeding
speedboat at Tanjung Desa Pelauw water on the way to Paso Port.
The attackers were reportedly using automatic rifles and
military-style outfits as well as masks, surviving witnesses said.
"After spraying bullets, the assailants fled the scene..
The victims' speedboat, however, managed to continue their journey
to Paso Port and locals quickly evacuated the casualties,"
Heri said.
Several victims were rushed to Halong Naval Hospital, some
eight kilometers away from Paso.
The officer, however, said that there was a strong indication
that certain groups tried to corner the military by using
military-style attributes and also attempted to stir sentiments
between Indonesian Military (TNI) and Police.
"One of the injured passengers happened to be a member of
Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob). This incident is likely
engineered.. because it's just impossible and stupid for the
military to conduct such brutal and flagrant shooting, we are here
striving to stop the conflicts and gaining people's trust,"
the officer said. (49/edt)
