After the Dutch–Indonesian Round Table Conference and the recognition of Indonesian sovereignty, Latuharhary assumed his post as the Governor of Maluku following the invasion of Ambon and the suppression of the Republic of South Maluku (RMS). Latuharhary arrived in an Ambon devastated by fighting between TNI and the RMS on 12 December 1950. Latuharhary began reestablishing the government, recruiting former SA members and some former colonial civil servants to fill in government positions. He also eliminated the South Maluku area and split it into two halves: the Central Maluku and Southeast Maluku regencies. The reconstruction of Ambon also commenced at the start of his term. Throughout his term, Maluku was placed under a "State of War Emergency" until 30 July 1952, when it was converted to a "State of War" just in Ambon and Ceram. Latuharhary pushed for the status to be removed in entirety.