Aceh: The people in waiting

A massive military operation is looming in Aceh after the collapse of a truce between the government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists.

The government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards the rebels in a bid to force the separatists to give up their armed fight for their dream of seceding from the Unitary Republic of Indonesia.

As always it is the people who will suffer and who will pay the price of the broken peace deal. The Acehnese people desire to be able to raise their children in peace, just like their brothers and sisters in most parts of the archipelago.

They cherish the hope of harvesting their crops and living a normal life. A hope they keep in their daily prayers.