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.