Martial law in Aceh<\/p>\n
Imposing martial law seems to be the government's choice in
\nputting an end to the armed conflict in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam
\nprovince. Although it is not yet a decision, the statement made
\nby Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono following a Cabinet meeting on Thursday
\nindicated that Aceh will be placed under martial law.<\/p>\n
The steps to impose it have already begun. In Aceh, Governor
\nAbdullah Puteh will soon seek the views of the Acehnese people
\nabout the possibility of putting Aceh under martial law. Susilo
\nis also expected to visit Aceh in the next two weeks to hold
\ntalks with ulemas, public figures and legislators about the
\nmatter.<\/p>\n
In addition, he has also held talks with the United States,
\nthe European Union and the Henry Dunant Center, the sponsor of
\npeace talks between the Indonesian government and the separatist
\nFree 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 impact of such a decision not only concerns the
\npossibility of the Acehnese becoming victims, but also their
\nconfidence in the central government's good intentions.<\/p>\n
-- Republika, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/martial-law-in-aceh-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }