Ex-rebels start nationalism course

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