ON Sunday two weeks ago, a hotair balloon rose in the Ambon skies, carrying with it the flag of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) movement. This was the start of observances commemorating the 54th year of the movement to separate the south of Maluku from the Republic of Indonesia (RI). Hosting the celebrations was the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM)which has been dubbed a reincarnation of the RMS.

Festivities were held in the yard of Alex Manuputt