'Aceh humanitarian operation on tract'<\/p>\n
The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh, Aceh<\/p>\n
The Aceh martial law administration is claiming that humanitarian
\nefforts are making as much progress as its three-week military
\noperation to flush out Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists.<\/p>\n
However, civilians, especially traders, have to bear the brunt
\nof the military operation in the province due to reduced business
\nactivities.<\/p>\n
Martial law administrator Maj. Gen. Endang Suwarya told a
\npress conference that 80 percent of the Rp 25 billion (US$3
\nmillion) allotted for humanitarian aid in Aceh had been disbursed
\nto the provincial government.<\/p>\n
Regencies had received between 70 percent to 80 percent of
\nthat amount, he said. Preparations to accommodate refugees were
\n50 percent complete.<\/p>\n
Authorities had also began to repair or rebuild the more than
\n400 schools, which he said were burned by the rebels.<\/p>\n
"In facing a war against guerrillas, winning the hearts and
\nminds of the people is absolutely necessary," Endang said after a
\nclosed meeting with a delegation from the House of
\nRepresentatives' Commission I overseeing security affairs.<\/p>\n
His statement comes against the backdrop of alleged human
\nrights abuses by soldiers. A military court on Monday sentenced
\nthree soldiers to four-months jail each for beating civilians
\nduring a raid late last month.<\/p>\n
Most media have so far focused their reports on the military
\noperation, one part of what the government calls a comprehensive
\noperation that also covers humanitarian efforts and the
\nstrengthening of the rule of law and the local administration in
\nAceh.<\/p>\n
Aceh Military Command spokesman Col. Ditya Soedarsono said the
\noperation had resulted in 160 rebel deaths and 313 arrests.
\nThirteen soldiers had died.<\/p>\n
Figures on civilian casualties are not available.<\/p>\n
In the provincial capital Banda Aceh, the three weeks of war
\nwas, like for most Indonesians, frightening only on their
\ntelevision screens.<\/p>\n
A number of residents said their lives were relatively normal
\nbut complained about a drop in business and fears of venturing
\noutside at night.<\/p>\n
"The war is outside in the regions," said Ifa, a 31-year-old
\nshop owner.<\/p>\n
She said the city's nightlife had disappeared since the
\nimposition of martial law and most parts of the city were
\ndeserted by around 8 p.m.<\/p>\n
"It's safer to stay at home at night, we don't want to pass
\nrandom security checks."<\/p>\n
Rajali, a motorized pedicab driver, known here as becak mesin,
\nsaid a fear of traveling at night was costing him passengers.<\/p>\n
"Before martial law I used to earn about Rp 50,000 to Rp
\n60,000. Now it's only around Rp 30,000 to Rp 20,000," he said.<\/p>\n
He said he refused to take passengers to the outskirts of the
\ncity if it was already too late.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aceh-humanitarian-operation-on-tract-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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