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