Government to negotiate with GAM: Wiranto

JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Gen. Wiranto commended on Monday the peaceful commemoration of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) anniversary, disclosing the government's readiness to negotiate with the separatist movement's leaders.

Speaking after attending a Cabinet meeting on political affairs and security at Bina Graha presidential office, Wiranto said GAM's positive stance prevented major outbreaks of violence during the commemoration in the province on Saturday.

"All parties, security forces, the community and GAM, did not take provocative measures that could have triggered massive conflicts," Wiranto said.

At least seven people were injured in the capitals of Pidie and North Aceh regencies when security troops opened fire to disperse GAM supporters from motorcade processions.

Security forces ordered GAM supporters to turn back in Bureunuen, Pidie, and surrender the separatist flags to the military. Police said they were forced to return fire in self- defense after one of the independence supporters opened fire.

"The people lowered the red-and-white (national) flag at the police station... One of them even opened fire on the troops," National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi said before the Cabinet meeting.

Wiranto said the Indonesian Military (TNI) arrested some suspected provocateurs, mostly thugs and TNI deserters from Medan, North Sumatra, for inciting violence during the commemoration.

"A number of hoodlums from Medan have been captured. Some of them are former rogue elements in the military. We will disclose (their identity)."

Wiranto indicated the GAM's receptive approach to marking the anniversary convinced the government to open negotiations with the separatist group, along with other Acehnese community leaders.

"Dialog can be held in any place ... and should involve students, Muslim clerics, community leaders and GAM."

Wiranto said the government would not delay its decision to grant special autonomy status and larger revenue-sharing to the province. He said the action was vital in restoring the Acehnese people's trust in the government.

Wiranto's commendation of GAM's action contradicted the opinion of Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono, who alleged GAM was responsible for violence during its 23rd anniversary celebration.

Juwono said GAM was uncooperative with the government, which had demanded an amicable commemoration throughout the province.

He insisted that certain groups manipulated the mass media to sway public opinion against the government for their own interests.

"It has long been our fear that GAM always provokes something from behind the people. This is still under investigation until now," Juwono said before attending the Cabinet meeting.

State Minister of Human Rights Hasballah M. Saad said the violence should be ended in Aceh because the people suffered too long from the prolonged unrest.

In Yogyakarta, political observer from Gadjah Mada University Syamsu Rizal asserted on Monday that the government must soon rebuild public facilities and damaged infrastructure in the devastated province.

"A speedy recovery is needed and with calm gradually resuming in the restive area, the government must push ahead in an effort of reconciliation and returning people's lives to normal."

The government must also provide suitable compensation in the form of scholarships, allowances and health insurance for the victims of violence, such as widows and orphans, he said.

"If children in Aceh can have normal lives, go to school and receive a proper education while their parents also can get on with their daily activities, I believe it will speed up the settlement of Aceh's problems," he added.

Syamsu said court-martials were not necessary for top military leaders who were allegedly responsible for atrocities in the province.

"It will take too long. The public exposure is more effective as it has already taught them a hard lesson." He said the officers should admit their mistakes and give the public assurances the same mistakes would not be repeated. (39/44/51/edt/prb)