"The police have seized seven flags of the separatist
movement. Some Ambonese raised the RMS flag today
(Thursday)," Susilo said, as quoted by El-Shinta radio
station after attending the installment ceremony of Vice Adm.
Bernard Kent Sondakh and Vice Marshall Chappy Hakim as
respectively the newNavy Chief of Staff and Air Force Chief of
Staff.
However, the radio station reported that there were 15
separatist flags flying on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Maluku Provincial Police chief Brig. Gen. Soenarko
DA said two people were arrested following the raising of the
separatist flags.
Soenarko said the separatist flags were raised at Talaga Raja,
the Xaverius High School, Kampung Baru, Masohi, and the capital of
Maluku Tengah regency.
Antara reported that Ambon was quiet on Thursday
morning, despite a call from Maluku Governor Saleh Latuconsina
that people continue their activities as usual.
But, later at noon, the situation became tense as thousands of
locals took to the streets, asking the security authorities to
take firm action against anyone raising the separatist flag.
