Extension of martial law

Extension of martial law

From Media Indonesia

The government has decided to extend martial law in Nanggroe
Aceh Darussalam for another six months. At this moment the
Indonesian government and the Indonesian people have only one
goal, namely to restore order in the province as soon as possible
without any political calculations that have links with the
upcoming 2004 general election. Ideally, the Acehnese will be
able to take part in this election freely and peacefully.

The second phase of martial law has earned support from many
parties as it brings with it an intensification in the economic
restoration operation, following the return to normal of overland
transportation. The Aceh administration has also resumed its
function.

Aceh must be saved from the separatist Free Aceh Movement as
this concerns the authority of the state, territorial integrity
and the safety of the Acehnese.

ERWIN GUNAWAN
Bogor, West Java