The flare-up of conflict in Maluku has sent Alex Manuputty to Jakarta. Arrested in Ambon a month ago, the Maluku Sovereignty Front (FKM) chairman was finally held in the National Police HQ in the middle of May, on charges of provoking a separatist movement and involvement in various riots.

Alex was not alone. The 53-year-old stayed in a military police building with Semi Wailerumi, also an FKM activist. Their detention room was spaciou