Unemployment root of separatism: Puteh

BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Some 17.36 percent of the 4.2 million population of Aceh are currently listed as unemployed, thus aggravating the problem of separatism, according to a top official of the ravaged province on Tuesday.

Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh said that the question of unemployment had to be addressed soon, as it had aggravated separatism in the province.

Many jobless persons were disappointed with the government over the situation, so that they are inclined to join the rebel Free Aceh Movement (GAM), said Puteh. -- JP