Former rebels receive donation

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