"I have coordinated with the Maluku governor, the police chief, the head of National Intelligence Agency (BIN) and the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) commander," the chief security minister said here on Sunday.
He called on all sides to continue taking anticipatory steps and keep abreast of the developments of the sensitive religious, racial, ethnic and inter-group (SARA) issues in Ambon.
"One should not be careless, because communal clashes in the past also were triggered by the same reason," the minister said.
At least two were killed and tens of others sustained wounds in a communal clash which was triggered by the death of a motorcycle taxi driver in Ambon, Maluku, on Sunday.
The two victims who suffered shot injuries by security officials died at Dr M Haulussy Public Hospital.
"More than 18 others suffered from wounds," Dr Ita Sabrina of the hospital said.
One of the death victim was Ade Cliford (15). "Ade Clift died of a bullet," a family member of the dead victim who refused to be named said when contacted from Jakarta on Sunday.
Rumors have it that the motorcycle taxi driver was found dead in Gunung Nona area, Kudamati village, while other version has it that he was killed in collision.
In the runup to the funeral of the decease in Petak Sepuluh area, Manggadua village, Nusaniwe sub district, the anger of the victim`s relatives exploded so that the Trikora - Perak - Batu Gantung road sections were closed for security reason.
Police banned residents from passing on the streets.
Yet, the tension continued when the funeral procession was held in Petak Sepuluh area because family members who joined the procession have become uncontrolably emotional.
It forced the police to open warning shots to limit the number of funeral procession participants. (*)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
