LOCATED on Haruku Island in Central Maluku, the village of Aboru was once known as a base for the Republic of South Maluku (RMS) independence movement. To reach the village from North Ambon, outsiders still have to take a speedboat.

Now, some of the cakalele dancers that took part in the 14th National Family Day commemorations at the Merdeka Square in Ambon on Friday June 29, originated from Aboru. “But not all Aboru residents are RMS members,