Govt tightens its 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," GAM Commander-in-Chief Teungku Muzakkir Manaf said from the movement's 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.