The second six months for Aceh

As the first six-month military operation in Aceh has yet to crush the rebellious activities of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the government has decided to extend the operation for another six months.

The second, six-month period of martial law started on Wednesday, based on Presidential Decree No. 97/2003, which legalizes an integrated operation, to include economic recovery, law enforcement and security restoration, as well as administrative order.

Rumors have it that martial law in Aceh will affect people's rights in the 2004 general elections, because of the military's presence. Therefore, it is feared that the elections will not run smoothly in Aceh.

To counter the rumors, Coordinating Minister for Social and Political Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono plans to hold an open dialog with the General Elections Committee (KPU), the Elections Supervisory Committee and several Aceh-based, non-governmental organizations. The meeting will also involve the Aceh governor and police and military chiefs.

Apart from the question of whether or not the military operation or the general elections will be a success in Aceh, there are 1,686 family refugees -- 7,202 people -- who cannot observe the Idul Fitri holiday at their villages. Celebrating Idul Fitri in refugee camps will be a miserable experience for them.

-- Harian Ekonomi Neraca, Jakarta