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Police arrest head of Maluku separatist group
Jakarta Globe - April 25, 2014
Simon was arrested with nine companions in Nusaniwe subdistrict, Ambon, and that a South Maluku Republic (RMS) flag called "Benang Raja" as well as two United Nations flags were confiscated as evidence, Sr. Comr. Martuany Siregar – who is the operational unit head of the Maluku police – told state-run Antara news agency.
Simon is transition president of the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) and RMS, both of which were established in April 25, 1950 to seek an independent state in Indonesia. The government has called the organizations separatist groups and have arrested activists. Meanwhile, the leaders and a dozen other members sought refuge in the Netherlands.
Simon has been on the national police's wanted list after allegedly ordering RMS activists to unfurl an RMS flag during the celebration of National Family Day in Ambon on June 29, 2007. The event was attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and his wife, ministers, governors and district heads.
In the middle of the event, the RMS activists – who posed as dancers performing the traditional Maluku war dance known as Cakalele – unfurled the flag before Yudhoyono and his entourage. Police promptly arrested 39 RMS followers after the event, but Simon remained at large. The 39 activists were charged with subversion and their sentences ranged from 12 years to life in prison.
Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com/news/police-arrest-head-maluku-separatist-group/.
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