Deddy Sinaga, Jakarta – The Commission for Missing Persons & Victims of Violence (Kontras) says the death of Tengku Abdullah Syafi'ie, the commander of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) killed in an exchange of gunfire with the Indonesian Military (TNI) this week, shows that the Indonesian government continues to prefer repressive measures for handling problems in Aceh. Kontras added that the security operations implemented in the province so far had not demonstrated a serious resolve to find a solution to these problems.

"If the government really is commited to finding a proper solution, Abdullah Syafi'ie should not have been killed, rather, he should have been brought to court," said Ori Rahman, Coordinator of Kontras, to a press gathering in Jakarta this afternoon.

Ori has accused the government of double standards in its stance towards Aceh. "On the one hand the government has been emphasizing dialog to solve all problems. Yet it continues with the violent security approach," Ori explained, at the same time acknowledging that achieving peace in Aceh would be no simple matter. Already, Muzakkir Manaf has been appointed the new commander of GAM, soon after Tengku Abdullah's death.

Regarding government plans to reopen the Iskandar Muda Military District in Aceh, Ori said that this would merely trigger military actions with uncertain consequences.

Kontras is of the opinion that the government lacks a commitment to holding genuine dialog with GAM. Abdullah Syafi'ie was killed just one day after receiving a letter from the Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh inviting him to engage in a dialog. Kontras added the government must emphasize dialog and demonstrate genuine concern for the aspirations of the Acehnese people. "The government needs to be more patient," Ori said.