President rules out martial law in Aceh

JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid on Wednesday rejected proposals to impose martial law in Aceh and asserted that a referendum in the restive province would not be about independence.

Speaking at a press conference during a visit to Amman, Abdurrahman said: "There's no need for that. Martial law will create more problems so the best thing is to take care of the situation by maintaining peace like we are doing now".

When asked, the president also said that his proposal for a referendum in Aceh would not be about independence.

"That is out of the question," he said in the Jordanian capital as quoted by Reuters.

In an interview with Al-Jazira, a Qatari satellite channel, Abdurrahman earlier said a referendum would be on the application of Islamic law.

"The referendum in Aceh will cover the application of sharia (Islamic law) by Muslims and not independence," he said.

When pressed further, Abdurrahman stressed that Aceh's independence was out of the question.

"No, no, never, because all countries, including the United States, back Indonesia's sovereignty over all areas of the country. U.S. President Bill Clinton has stated his attachment to Indonesia's sovereignty," he added.

Abdurrahman's rejection comes at a time when the rift between civilian leaders and military ranks on the issue of martial law in Aceh is growing wider.

Despite repeated condemnations from civilian members of the government, the military has increased their campaign to demand limited martial law in Aceh where growing calls for independence have increased in the last few months.

The military has stepped-up their media blitz here this week. Indonesian Military (TNI) Chief Adm. Widodo A.S. forewarned of the clear and present danger of separatism.

National Police Chief Gen. Roesmanhadi during a hearing with House of Representatives Commission I on political, foreign and security affairs on Wednesday once again pleaded his case arguing that with the pullout of combat troops, police were not equipped to tackle the guerrilla style tactics adopted by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Roesmanhadi stressed that the House's support was crucial for police to uphold the law in such a combative area without being accused of violating human rights.

Military and police officials claim that insurgency activity has increased in the run-up to GAM's Dec. 4 anniversary.

However, National Commission on Human Rights Chairman Marzuki Darusman during a separate hearing at the House on Wednesday blasted the military's separatist warnings, saying protests were merely an outcry against injustice.

"I disagree with the Indonesian Military chief because by saying problems in Aceh are problems of separatism will not help clear up the situation," Marzuki told a special House committee.

"His statement will also not help create a good climate to hold a dialog with the Aceh people," he added.

He said the Free Aceh Movement, which was accused of attacking, kidnaping and killing TNI members, should only be seen as "a movement to protest against injustices in Aceh" and not as a separatist movement.

He urged everyone not be "too alarmist" because "we are not talking about Aceh breaking away from the republic but Acehnese being able to state what their demands are".

Curfew

Meanwhile, local military commanders on Wednesday sounded alarm bells on the situation warning of the imposition of curfews.

"If, in the next few days, the situation in Aceh remains tense I will ask (the central command) to impose a curfew," said chief of the Tueku Umar Military Command Col. Syariffudin Tippe in Banda Aceh.

He claimed that the situation was quickly deteriorating, noting the breakdown of government services in the province.

Separately, the chief of the Lilawangsa Military Command Col. Syafnil Armen in a statement from Lhokseumawe said that GAM was becoming more violent.

In a related development, two unidentified armed gangs were involved in a fierce exchange of fire in Banda Aceh in the small hours of Wednesday, leaving two dead and two injured.

The shootings took place in Geuceu Meunara village in the Meraxa district at about 1 a.m..

According to Syariffudin, two bodies were found after the incident. They were identified as Ridwan Umar, 42, and Admi Amzid, 33.

A Kijang van, an FN-46 pistol with five bullets and 15 bullets for AK-47 rifles, two walkie-talkies, a cellular phone, a knife and a machete were taken as evidence from the scene, Syariffudin said.

Locals have reported that armed gangs often barged into residents' homes to demand money.(50/edt/byg)