Ex-rebels start nationalism course

BANDA ACEH, Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam: The Aceh government started on Tuesday its third "re-education" course in nationalism for former separatist rebels who had been captured or surrendered during the one-year military crackdown on the province.

The course involves 340 former rebels who were previously in military jails.

"The (ex-rebels) will learn about Indonesia and nationalism, while also attending vocational courses during the program. They need to have these skills and knowledge before returning to the community," Aceh deputy governor Azwar Abubakar said.

During the past year, 1,681 former rebels have taken the course since military operations to quash rebels began in Aceh in May last year. -- JP