Lukmanul Hakim/GB, Jakarta – Results of polling carried out by the Aceh Referendum Information Centre (SIRA) show that a clear majority of Acehnese would chose independence from Indonesia. 92% of recipients chose to break with the republic. Meanwhile, the Indonesian National Commission on Human Rights plans to question the commander of the Banda Aceh police about the crackdown in the capital.

SIRA polled 2,769,856 people between November 3-11, or 65.9% of Aceh's total population of around 4.2 million people. 92% chose independence, a mere 0.133 % chose to remain within Indonesia and 7.847% abstained.

The polling was conducted in the lead up to the 'SIRA Rakan' or Aceh Mass Gathering for Peace and Sovereignty which was blocked by a concerted effort on the part of the security forces to inhibit the mass exodus of Acehnese to the capital. The 'SIRA-Rakan' was held to commemorate a similar action one year ago in which one million Acehnese gathered to demand an East Timor style referendum on independence.