Insecurity cripples transport in Aceh

Insecurity cripples transport in Aceh

BANDA ACEH: Public transport between Banda Aceh, at the western tip of Aceh, and Aceh Singkil in the east has been crippled over the past fortnight due to instability in the region.

CV BAS and CV Aceh Barat, the two bus companies serving the route every day, stopped their operations two weeks ago following an incident in Aceh Singkil in which a dozen civilians were killed.

The military and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels blamed each other for the massacre.

The shortest route is normally through the central highland highways, however, people now have to travel through West and South Aceh regencies. The journey takes about 15 hours at double the cost of Rp 50,000.

Another alternative is through the eastern and northern highways down to the borders with North Sumatra. The trip takes up to 18 hours at Rp 100,000.