PDI-P against implementation of Islamic law in Aceh

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) indicated that they would oppose the implementation of Islamic law in the restive province of Aceh as it was against the country's basic principles.

PDI Perjuangan secretary-general Sutjipto said on Friday that the party would stick to the 1945 Constitution, state ideology of Pancasila and the principles of a unitary state.

"For our party, this issue is nonnegotiable and I think from our statement it is clear how we view it (implementation of Islamic law)," Sutjipto said at the party's meeting, led by their chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri.

He underlined that the Aceh problem should be seen as a national problem and should be solved nationally not merely by acceding to the demands of people in Aceh, but the aspirations of all Indonesian people.

Currently, the House of Representatives' special committee is discussing the Special Autonomy draft of Aceh Nanggroe Darussalam, which was proposed by the provincial council.

The proposed draft gives the province wide authority in security, financial and legal matters.

The draft also proposes that the province will have its own special representative called Nanggroe that could decide on issues related to the day-to-day running of the provincial government. It also stipulates the implementation of Islamic law in all aspects of life.

Currently, the province has implemented Islamic law in social, educational, religious and cultural fields in accordance with Law No.44/1999.

Earlier, chairman of the House' special committee on Aceh Ferry Mursydan Baldan said that the factions had different views on the implementation of Islamic law, but it was likely that most factions would stick to the national principles.

Sutjipto further said that the party would arrange a special meeting with other House factions and the special committee concerning the draft.

"The detailed issues of the proposed draft would be determined later on, but we will underline that the province is still part of the country," he remarked.

Apology

Meanwhile, Teuku Umar Military Resort Commander Col. Endang Suwarya visited on Friday South Aceh, where a group of military troops burned down 20 houses of Kapa Seusak villagers on Tuesday.

Endang apologized for the incident and promised to take strict measures against the soldiers.

"We apologize for the troops' behavior and we have reported this incident to Bukit Barisan Military Commander Maj. Gen. IG Purnawa. Stern measures will be taken against those responsible," Endang said.

The troops from Medan, North Sumatra-based Infantry Battalion 123/Rajawali were reportedly returning home from Aceh when some members of the squad set the houses alight. No fatalities were reported in the incident.

Violence continued to rock Aceh as three people, including a policeman, were killed in separate incidents in Aceh Besar and West Aceh.

Brig. Sumawarto was killed by unidentified gunmen after watching a volleyball game in Ilie village of Ingin Jaya district in Aceh Besar on Thursday afternoon. (50/dja)