JP/5/Intro

As stipulated by the cessation of hostilities agreement signed by Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the GAM rebels are to begin disarming by Feb. 9, while the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police will at the same time begin pulling back their combat forces to defensive areas. The Jakarta Post journalist Kornelius Purba was in Aceh from Jan. 23 to Feb. 5, and he reports on the situation in the province and the implementation of the cease-fire agreement.