Aceh peace talks must continue, Imam says

JAKARTA (JP): Muslim and community leaders in restive Aceh have asked newly installed president Megawati Soekarnoputri to continue peace talks with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist rebel group.

"We hope President Megawati will carry on the dialog with GAM because Aceh's problems cannot be solved through violence," a noted local Muslim figure, Tengku Imam Suja, told Antara on Wednesday.

Imam, who also chairs the provincial chapter of Muhammadiyah, suggested that the new government immediately resume the Dialog toward Peace (DMD) forum, which was dissolved in the middle of this month.

A new forum, called the Joint Committee for Democracy Consultation, will be formed, involving three government representatives and three GAM representatives.

"We hope that Ibu Megawati can find a solution to the prolonged conflict in Aceh, which has claimed so many lives," Imam said.

He also suggested that the Nangroe Aceh Darussalam Bill could take effect as soon as possible, saying the bill that awards special autonomy to Aceh could contribute to the problem-solving process of the conflict in Indonesia's westernmost province.

Earlier this month, the House endorsed the bill, which allows Aceh to keep 70 percent of the income from the exploitation of its natural resources and allows the province to impose syariah (Islamic) law.