Martial law in Aceh<\/p>\n
Imposing martial law seems to be the government's choice in
\nending the armed conflict in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province.
\nThe statement made by Coordinating Minister for Political and
\nSecurity Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono following a Cabinet
\nmeeting on Thursday indicated that Aceh will be placed under
\nmartial law.<\/p>\n
In Aceh, Governor Abdullah Puteh will soon seek the views of
\nthe Acehnese about the possibility of putting Aceh under martial
\nlaw. Susilo is also expected to visit Aceh in the next two weeks
\nto hold talks with public figures and legislators on the issue.<\/p>\n
He has also held talks with representatives of the United
\nStates, the European Union and the Henry Dunant Center, the
\nsponsor of peace talks between the Indonesian government and the
\nseparatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).<\/p>\n
Judging by the outcome of Thursday's Cabinet meeting, the
\npossibility of putting Aceh under martial law is only a matter of
\ntime and is awaiting a seal of approval from the legislative
\nassembly.<\/p>\n
That Aceh must not secede from the unitary state of Indonesia
\ngoes without saying. However, putting a stop to the separatist
\nmovement by imposing martial law needs to be carefully
\nconsidered. The victims could not only be the Acehnese -- but
\nalso their confidence in the central government's good
\nintentions.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/martial-law-in-aceh-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }