The second six months for Aceh

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