Night street vendors are back in Aceh

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Street-side food and beverage vendors are back in trade in Banda Aceh, spurred by the belief that peace is slowly returning to the capital of battle-ridden Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province.

"We wouldn't dare open our business past 7:00 p.m. until recently," food vendor Adi told Antara news agency, "but now people are hitting the street again and staying up late at night."

Sporadic clashes between the military and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebel group, however, are ongoing, particularly in rural areas.

Minivan public transportation, which used to stop running at 7:00 p.m., is becoming increasingly available past this hour in this city of less than 400,000 people.

In the district of Lambaro in Aceh Besar regency, the traditional market has gradually returned to its normal business hours and stays open until nightfall.

"People prefer to stay home even during the daytime," said Jailani, a market trader in Lambaro. "Now some traders are keeping their shops open up to 10 o'clock at night."

Most traders say they expect peace to return to the province very soon.

"Everyday people suffer the most during the armed conflict," said M. Yakob, a resident of Banda Aceh. "It has been very difficult for us to earn a living, especially those who work at night."

More than 500 people have died this year in the armed conflict that started in 1976. The last peace talks between the government and GAM representatives were held early this month in Switzerland.