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.