Indonesia: More Bomb Scares

The Pattimura Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djoko Santoso said on Saturday that he would intensify intelligence surveillance in Maluku province in a bid to solve the recent spate of bomb scares in its capital city, Ambon.

"I hope the public are willing to help the investigation so that the culprits behind the bomb threats can be captured soon. At least, they (the people) should report anything suspicious to the nearest security post," Djoko said.

Tension has remained high in the restive city as bomb scares have been occurring every day since a blast on Oct. 9 that injured two policemen and four civilians.

Bombs were said to have been planted in government offices, high schools and business centers.

The central government imposed a state of civil emergency in Maluku in 2000, which remains effective to date.

The latest series of bomb scares spread fear among employees in the Ambon mayoral offices, located on Jl. Patimura, on Saturday morning. Staff were sent fleeing from the building after an employee found a suspicious package in a restroom.

"I reported it to security officers as I was afraid and suspicious of the package, which was in a black plastic bag," Jhon Waisapi said, adding that he found the package at 11:15 a.m.

Ambon Police chief Adj. Sr. Comm. Noviantoro said that he could not yet say whether the package contained a bomb as the bomb squad was still studying it.

Security personnel from the police and military remained visible in public places, including offices and banks.

Henry Marconi PRAVDA.Ru Sydney