Former rebels receive donation

JAKARTA: Throughout Aceh, the local government has distributed the second livelihood package to 3,000 former Free Aceh Movement (GAM) combatants, the Aceh Monitoring Mission (AMM) said.

Each of the rebels received a package of Rp 1 million (approximately US$100) to assist their safe integration into society.

The first package was handed over on Oct. 31 by acting Governor Azwar Abubakar, who transferred a total of Rp 3 billion to 15 locations in Aceh. Each district head then transferred the money to GAM commanders. AMM district offices monitored the transactions.

The livelihood package for former combatants follows earlier support for convicted GAM inmates who were released under an amnesty arrangement as part of the peace agreement signed in August. The financial assistance is hoped to help ease former combatants and prisoners back into daily life.

The Indonesian government also recently agreed to a proposed budget for long term support in Aceh. This will enable the government to fulfill the commitments it made in the peace agreement. --JP