Peace zone proposed in Aceh

Peace zone proposed in Aceh

Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Surabaya

After almost four months of rigorous debate over the terms of
release for civilians held hostage by Free Aceh Movement (GAM)
rebels, the Indonesian Military (TNI) proposed a battle-free zone
to allow the separatists to transfer the hostages safely.

The rebels had demanded a seven-day cease fire, fearing that
TNI troops would intercept them shortly after the release of the
hostages. TNI rejected the demand.

The TNI's proposal came amid reports that hostages were
suffering from serious illness and depression, as GAM members had
been moving them from one place to another in a bid to avoid
clashes with the government troops.

TNI spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said on Friday the
proposal required a cease fire during the transfer of the
hostages.

"I think our proposal is the best way to save the lives of
these civilian hostages, if they (GAM), are concerned about the
safety of the hostages," Sjafrie told The Jakarta Post.

Ersa Siregar and Ferry Santoro, both crew members of private
television channel RCTI, along with dozens of Acehnese, including
the wives of two TNI officers -- Cut Farida and her sister Cut
Soraya -- have been held hostage since GAM fighters intercepted
them in Peureulak in East Aceh on their way back from a refugee
camp in Langsa, to Lhokseumawe in North Aceh on June 29.

The rebels had accused them of espionage, but later, after
interrogating them, declared them clear of the allegation.

Sjafrie expressed doubt that the rebels would comply with the
TNI's proposal.

"It is too risky for our troops because they could be killed
without the chance to put up a fight," Sjafrie said.

Ishak Daud, the GAM commander overseeing East Aceh territory
who has claimed responsibility for the capture of the civilians,
recently spelled out the conditions for the release of the
hostages, including a seven-day cease fire and exclusion of the
military. Ishak also asked security authorities in Nanggroe Aceh
Darussalam not to interrogate nor prosecute Ersa and Ferry.

The TNI had insisted that it would be involved in the process
of transferring the hostages -- which would be conducted by the
Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) -- saying it would provide security
for the humanitarian workers.

"GAM does not need to bring the hostages from their base to an
open place. They just have to choose a certain area to release
the hostages and we'll pick them up. There will be no fire from
the troops as the hostages will walk close to us," Sjafrie said,
referring to the process observed in the release of American
journalist William Nessen in Nissam area in North Aceh.

One of the captives, Cut Farida, told the Post by phone from
an undisclosed area in East Aceh on Friday, that her younger
sister was suffering from depression.

"Sometimes I have witnessed her talking to herself, as though
there is someone else with her," Farida described her sister's
condition.

Soraya was in the early months of pregnancy when the GAM
rebels captured her.

According to Farida, over the past two weeks government troops
had launched intensive operations around the area where the
hostages were being held. The operations often lasted from the
middle of the night until the early hours of the morning and GAM
had to evacuate hostages to a safe place every time the armed
clashes occurred.

"I am exhausted and frightened, so is my sister. We have to be
moved... and walk through the forest and over hills for about 30
kilometers each day," Farida said during the phone conversation.

"We could also be killed during these clashes."

Ersa, who could not be contacted, had reportedly suffered from
a serious illness and was in a critical condition, according to
Ishak.

"Last night he coughed blood. He is very sick and it seems
impossible for us to force him to move from one place to another.
To save lives, I think the military has to take our demand for a
cease fire into consideration," Ishak said, also by phone.

He said it would take some days to bring the hostages out from
their current location.

"And I don't want to sacrifice my soldiers during the
release," he said.