Police Lobby US To Return Manuputty

Tuesday, 10 July, 2007 14:49 WIB ----------------- TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: ------------------ The Indonesian National Police (Polri) is seeking for the return of South Maluku Republic (RMS) notable, Alex Manuputty. "The negotiation for Manuputty's return is in the process," said Polri spokesperson, Sisno Adiwinoto, yesterday (9/7). The police, he said, have asked help from interpol and the united states federal bureau of investigation (FBI) regarding the negotiation process. "We've sent the red notice," he said. Manuputty, 60, has been living in Los Angeles for nearly four years. He escaped from Indonesian legal officers from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on November 22, 2003. In the superpower country, Manuputty has not been touched by the law as the freedom of expression is in fact protected. The RMS separatist movement notable received political asylum from Washington in October 2004. At first, he stayed in Helmy Watimena's house in Los Angeles. Now he lives by himself and works in a medical department. According to Sisno, the police have aimed for Manuputty's return, including explaining to the us about the government's interest. "We conveyed the importance of it. Hopefully they're willing to do so," he said. In the meantime, regarding the RMS flag on national family day. According to Sisno, up to yesterday the police have captured 45 people. Out of that number, 26 were cakalele dancers. budi saiful haris