Martial law in Aceh

Martial law in Aceh

Imposing martial law seems to be the government's choice in
ending the armed conflict in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province.
The statement made by Coordinating Minister for Political and
Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono following a Cabinet
meeting on Thursday indicated that Aceh will be placed under
martial law.

In Aceh, Governor Abdullah Puteh will soon seek the views of
the Acehnese about the possibility of putting Aceh under martial
law. Susilo is also expected to visit Aceh in the next two weeks
to hold talks with public figures and legislators on the issue.

He has also held talks with representatives of the United
States, the European Union and the Henry Dunant Center, the
sponsor of peace talks between the Indonesian government and the
separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Judging by the outcome of Thursday's Cabinet meeting, the
possibility of putting Aceh under martial law is only a matter of
time and is awaiting a seal of approval from the legislative
assembly.

That Aceh must not secede from the unitary state of Indonesia
goes without saying. However, putting a stop to the separatist
movement by imposing martial law needs to be carefully
considered. The victims could not only be the Acehnese -- but
also their confidence in the central government's good
intentions.

-- Republika, Jakarta