Govt tightens grip ahead of GAM anniversary

Govt tightens grip ahead of GAM anniversary

Nani Afrida and Tiarma Siboro
The Jakarta Post/Banda Aceh/Jakarta

Anticipating possible skirmishes during the 28th anniversary of
the Aceh Free Movement (GAM) on Dec. 4, the civil emergency
administration on Friday banned the populace from engaging in any
activities related to the occasion.

Acting administrator of the civil emergency, Insp. Gen.
Bahrumsyah Kasman, ordered all private institutions, government
agencies, non-governmental organizations as well as the media to
ignore the commemoration.

"All institutions are barred from discussing, producing,
disseminating or broadcasting information related to the
anniversary of the separatist movement," Bahrumsyah said, adding
that the public should also notify the security authorities over
possible breaches of the order.

He also called on security personnel deployed in the strife-
torn province to step up their vigilance.

"Security personnel are urged to take more initiatives in
responding to developments and take all necessary actions in
accordance with existing regulations," he said.

The civil emergency administration in Aceh has beefed up
security measures in areas considered as GAM strongholds, such as
Tanah Jambo Aye, Matangkuli, Sawang Langkahan and Nisam
subdistricts.

It also plans to deploy reconnaissance aircraft to monitor the
activities of the separatist movement and launch airstrikes if
necessary.

Government-sponsored anti-separatist groups are also expected
to boost the drive by providing free medical services for
residents in Nisam, Paya Bakong, Matangkuli and Lhokseumawe.

The civil emergency administration issued the order based on
Government Regulation No. 2/2004 on the extension of civil
emergency in the province.

"Violators of this order will be charged under the law on the
state of emergency and/or relevant regulations," Bachrumsyah
said.

Although not cowed by the order, GAM earlier appealed to
Acehnese to stay at their homes and halt all activities during
the commemoration, citing people's safety as the main reason.

"The anniversary is a historical moment for all Acehnese and
we (GAM) believe that all of us pay the same reverence to the
event.

"And since the safety of all Acehnese is our concern, we ask
you all to stay at home and stop your activities between 6 a.m.
and 12 midday, during which we (GAM) will hold the
commemoration," Muzakkir said from GAM central command
headquarters in the Tiro area.

Muzakkir's statement was aimed at cautioning Acehnese with the
prospect of government's troops intensifying their operations to
prevent GAM-related activities throughout the territory where
Jakarta has imposed state of emergency for the past one-and-half
year to crush the secessionist movement.

GAM has been fighting for independence since 1976. The
conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 10,000 people.

The government launched a major operation to crush the rebels
in May last year, costing the state Rp 2.6 trillion (US$288.9
million).

The Indonesian Military claimed to have killed 3,200 rebels
and captured 4,500 others during the operation.