Free propaganda for GAM

When I looked at the front page of the Jan. 25 edition of The Jakarta Post I was surprised, or perhaps "shocked" would be a better word, to find free propaganda for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

The use of the word "murder" in the title Syafi'ie murder toughens GAM spirit 'to fight for free Aceh' might create a misunderstanding, as if Syafi'ie was murdered by the security forces, while in fact he was killed in a gun battle, where members of the military or GAM members could die. "Murder" here sounds like an oblique accusation against the legal military of the republic and this will be used by certain NGOs to add to the long list of human rights violation by the Indonesian military.

On Jan. 24 the Post wrote: Military kills GAM chief in gun battle. Syafi'ie was shot in the thigh and chest during a 30- minute fire fight with army soldiers in Cubo, Pidie regency. This is objective reporting.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta