Law discussion on Aceh should include ulemas

JAKARTA (JP): Observers are calling on the House of Representatives to include Aceh ulemas and community leaders in the deliberation of a new bill on the special status of the troubled province.

Antara interviewed on Sunday a number of community figures in the capital, Banda Aceh, and many said they wanted to participate in House hearings on the bill. The bill was initiated by the Islamic United Development Party (PPP), apparently to appease the anger of Acehnese over years of human rights abuses and injustice.

Rusjdi Ali Muhammad and Hamid Sarong of the Ar-Raniry State Institute of Islamic Studies, and local legislator Sofyan S. Sawang agreed that the involvement of ulemas and community leaders -- who occupy important positions in the predominantly Muslim province -- would strengthen the bill and improve its chances of being accepted.

"That would help make a more representative legislation," Rusjdi said.

Meanwhile, it was reported from Banda Aceh that the provincial government has established two working groups to study the newly enacted laws on regional autonomy and fiscal balances. The government has decided to speed up the implementation of the two laws in Aceh in consideration of the special needs of the province.

"The two working groups will study each of the documents," Governor Syamsuddin Mahmud said.

A delegation of ministers visited Aceh on Saturday, when Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Haryono Suyono declared the laws officially implemented in Aceh.

Protests marked the visit, with students and human rights groups telling the ministers that Acehnese wanted concrete evidence the government was serious in dealing with the province's problems, and not empty promises or charity. Banners unfurled by protesters read "Holy war, the only solution for Aceh", "Stop genocide in Aceh" and "Aceh people, the victims of Jakarta's political mafia".

Syamsuddin said the working groups are to include community leaders, ulema and experts from various universities in Aceh.

Meanwhile, AP reported from Banda Aceh that an army soldier was killed by unidentified assailants. It quoted police sources as saying Sgt. Banta Lidan was stabbed to death on Saturday while sitting at a roadside food stall in a town 200 kilometers east of the provincial capital.

The sources and witnesses said the assailants opened fire on another soldier when he sped away on a motorcycle. It was not known whether the escaping soldier was injured.

North Aceh is believed to be the main stronghold of rebels belonging to the Free Aceh Movement, which is seeking to set up an independent Islamic Aceh state.

Clashes between insurgents and security forces have intensified in recent months, claiming hundreds of lives. The rebels are seeking an end to Indonesia's grip on the province, which is rich in oil and natural gas. (06/swe)