House says no to Aceh referendum

JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) dismissed on Wednesday President Abdurrahman Wahid's remarks that a referendum could be held in Aceh next year, saying that the House was intent on maintaining the integrity of the unitary state.

The meeting of House leaders and factions concluded that the referendum option was out of the question. They agreed that the issue should be resolved by granting Aceh greater autonomy and by implementing a comprehensive trial of individuals responsible for human rights abuses in the restive province.

"A referendum is not the appropriate solution," House Speaker Akbar Tandjung told journalists after the meeting.

He said in accordance with the People's Consultative Assembly decrees and legislation on the province's special status, the House had agreed to give wider autonomy to Aceh.

He added that further discussions could be held on a more substantial division of wealth in Aceh, but that a referendum was out of question.

"The House intends to maintain the integrity of the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia," Akbar said.

The House's strong statement followed a controversial comment made on Tuesday by President Abdurrahman as he was returning from Japan that a referendum could be held in Aceh in seven months.

Abdurrahman's statement was not clear-cut. He did not specify if the referendum would be for independence or would only address greater autonomy. He also said that the subject would need the approval of the "parliament".

Akbar brushed aside on Wednesday Abdurrahman's statement, saying it reflected the President's personal view only.

He also questioned the legitimacy of the President's offer.

"In making a fundamental decision such as a referendum, the government must consult the House regarding the time and the content of the referendum," Akbar said.

He warned of a repetition of the disastrous events which unfolded in Indonesia's former 27th province, following a controversial decision to allow a referendum in East Timor.

"The House will question President Abdurrahman Wahid on his statement about the Aceh referendum," Akbar said.

He voiced strong opposition to the calls for independence for Aceh, saying such a move would "violate our national integrity".

Akbar said the government had yet to properly address the problem.

"We expect the President to go to Aceh next week before he goes overseas, but last night during the meeting with the President there was an indication that he might not be able to make it until his next visit overseas."

Abdurrahman is slated to attend a meeting of leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) later next week.

Referring to the mounting calls for a referendum as an alternative option to maintaining the integrity of the state, Akbar said such a momentous decision should be sought through a national referendum because it required the acceptance of all provinces.

Military

The referendum debate on Aceh has not been limited to politicians alone. Top defense officials are also considering proposals on a limited martial law for some areas of Aceh.

National Police chief Gen. Roesmanhadi said he would like to impose limited martial law as police were not prepared to take over from combat troops being pulled out from Aceh. He emphasized that the police would face problems in areas where guerrilla warfare tactics were employed by separatist forces.

"But martial law would only come after the request of the people of Aceh, and be enforced in areas where it was really needed such as Pidie, North Aceh, West Aceh and South Aceh," Roesmanhadi said.

Meanwhile, the flow of refugees leaving Aceh continued on Wednesday. Hundreds flocked to the North Sumatra towns of Binjai and Medan, following fears of riots ahead of the Aceh Free Movement (GAM) anniversary on Dec. 4.

"Flyers are being distributed by irresponsible parties who want to instigate fear and unrest," Acehnese social observer Fikarwan Zusta said in Medan. He was referring to pamphlets urging non-Acehnese to flee to safety.

About 220 refugees from East and North Aceh arrived in Binjai on Wednesday.

Another 500 refugees, most of whom were Javanese residing in Aceh, arrived by sea at the Medan port of Belawan. They were given temporary shelter before departing for Java.

Meanwhile in Gempang district, Sigli regency at least 5,000 residents on Wednesday departed for Bernun, some 96 kilometers away to join another 7,000 who had earlier arrived in the town, which is located near Medan.

As of Tuesday it was also reported that a total of Rp 10 billion had been withdrawn from various banks in Aceh.

"Usually the highest amount of money extracted from banks is Rp 2 billion per month," said the head of Bank Indonesia in Aceh, Yusmanazir Karim.

At least 11 doctors from Cut Nyak Dien Hospital in Meulaboh have also left the area, according to hospital director Teuku Amir Hamzah.

"There are only two doctors left here: me and Daten (a gynecologist). This creates serious problems for the hospital's activities," Hamzah said. (39/50/edt/02)