JSC to start work in Aceh on Friday to prepare action plan
Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh
The Joint Security Committee (JSC), in charge of monitoring the truce between the Indonesian government and the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM) as stipulated in the peace agreement signed on Dec. 9, is scheduled to hold its introductory meeting on Friday to prepare a plan of action.
JSC Co-chairman Maj. Gen. Thanungsak Tuvinun said on Thursday all JSC members were expected to attend the first meeting in order to establish initial contact and understanding among each other.
"I'm still checking on JSC members who are already in Banda Aceh," he said.
The JSC has a total of 150 members, 50 each from Thai and Filipino monitors representing the HDC, Indonesia and GAM.
Thanungsak, who arrived in Banda Aceh on Wednesday, held an introductory meeting with Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh, top security minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Iskandar Muda Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djali Yusuf and Aceh Provincial Chief. Insp. Gen. Yusuf Manggabarani at the governor's official residence in the city on Thursday.
"We obtained much input from the informal meeting," he said, adding that he also informed the local officials of their duties during their deployment in the province.
Referring to the peace agreement, Thanungsak said the much- needed JSC had been already established during the implementation of the humanitarian pause in the province in the past, and it was reactivated by senior security officers from both sides to enforce the peace agreement.
He appreciated the strong commitment of both the Indonesian government and GAM, and the Acehnese people's steadfast hope for the peace agreement to end the conflict that has claimed more than 10,000 lives over the past 26 years. He said JSC was much needed to handle all violations after the signing of the peace agreement.
"We are seeing the peace accord's positive values and I'm sure the Acehnese people hope for a more peaceful situation," he said, adding that all violence, including abduction and murder cases, that had occurred since Dec. 9 would be investigated thoroughly.
GAM has claimed that at least 15 civilians were killed after Dec. 9. The claim, however, has not been verified independently.
Thanungsak added JSC would also look into the displacement of 2,085 Acehnese in Nurussalam, East Aceh.
Asked about JSC's composition and hierarchy, Thanungsak said he would conduct a press conference after the meeting to announce the committee's hierarchy, composition and duties.
JSC's main functions
- Formulate the process of the peace agreement's implementation
- Monitor security situation
- Undertake full investigation into security violations
- Take appropriate actions to restore security
- Publish weekly reports on security situation
- Ensure that no paramilitary force is created to assume Mobile Brigade's tasks
- Design and implement a mutually agreed upon process of demilitarization.