Aceh peace talks delayed, agreement set for next week
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The planned dialog between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group has been postponed, but Jakarta expects a new peace deal could be approved before the Ramadhan fasting month begins next week.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Monday that the talks had been postponed because GAM had asked for more time to discuss the draft of cessation of hostilities with ulemas.
"The government had expected that the peace deal could be signed late this week, but GAM asked for more time. We hope that it will take place before the beginning of the fasting month," Susilo said.
Ramadhan looks to begin on Nov. 6, pending a decision from the Ministry of Religious Affairs after consulting Muslim organizations.
"We hope that by Ramadhan peace will prevail in the province in accordance with the wishes of the Acehnese," Susilo said.
The cessation of hostilities stipulates the formation of a joint monitoring team to ensure the agreement is upheld. The team will consist of independent observers, including foreigners, who are authorized to determine which side violates the peace accord.
A cease-fire was attempted under a "humanitarian pause" in 2000, but it failed as the period was used by both sides to consolidate troops across the restive province.
Like previous dialogs, the upcoming peace talks will be facilitated by a Switzerland based non-governmental organization, the Henry Dunant Center (HDC).
Susilo said the two sides were of the same opinion that the monitoring team would incorporate different parties.
"Government, members of GAM and HDC will have representatives on the monitoring team," Susilo said.
He added that the following peace talks after next week's negotiation would be conducted in Indonesia under an all- inclusive dialog aimed at seeking a comprehensive settlement to Aceh's problems.
GAM's decades-long fight for an independent state is considered by many to be a result of Jakarta's failure to meet demands for welfare and justice in the natural resource-rich province dating back to the tenure of founding president Sukarno.
Thousands of civilians have been killed during armed conflict between security forces and rebels.
Separately in Banda Aceh, Iskandar Muda Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djali Yusuf claimed that security in the province was improving, with only minor disturbances occurring once in a while.
"We hope the coming dialog will bear better fruit than the previous dialogs and will be able to bring about order in the province," Djali said as quoted by Antara.
He asserted that the Indonesian Military would continue daily operations to secure people's activities in Aceh.