Indonesia's military campaign to crush a long-running rebellion in Aceh and restrictions imposed on aid groups in the remote province are hindering disaster relief efforts, human rights groups warned.
Human Rights Watch called for the military to be stripped of its role in distributing relief supplies and escorting charity groups amid reports of tsunami survivors linked to the rebels being denied aid.
It also urged President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to revoke a state of emergency imposed in 2003 as part of a fresh military offensive in Aceh that banned non-government organisations and the foreign media from the province.
The restrictions have been loosened in the wake of the December 26 tsunami disaster, which has killed more than 101,000 people in Aceh, to enable relief efforts, but martial law remains in place.
In an open letter to Yudhoyono, Human Rights Watch executive director for Asia, Brad Adams, said many soldiers had performed a vital task in addressing the immediate needs of the survivors with dedication and compassion.
"Human Rights Watch appreciates the commitment of so many in the Indonesian armed forces to provide protection and assistance at this critical time," Adams said.
"However... it is important for duties to be handed over to the appropriate government agencies and experienced, professional aid organisations – both national and international – as soon as possible." Adams said aid groups were capable of delivering supplies in Aceh without the need of military escorts, and that soldiers would be more effective spending their time rebuilding roads.
"These organisations know well how to operate in areas of conflict and should be allowed to get on with their crucial tasks," he said.
"They should be allowed to deliver aid directly to populations in need, without military escort or presence, except where their physical security necessitates a military presence." Adams referred to reports that aid agencies had been pressured, and occasionally forced, to turn over aid to the military for delivery.
"We urge you to publicly issue instructions that any such practices be halted. There is no justification for agencies to be required to deliver aid via the military." He said non-government organisations had reported "that some in the army have not distributed humanitarian assistance in an impartial manner, denying help to perceived GAM supporters".
The GAM is the Indonesian acronym for the Free Aceh Movement, the rebel group that has been fighting for independence for the resource-rich province since 1976, with the conflict claiming thousands of lives.
The rebels and government forces both announced ceasefires in the days after the tsunamis struck, but there have been many reports of clashes since, with the military reporting at least three insurgents have been killed.
The military has accused the rebels of attacking aid convoys, an accusation vehemently denied by insurgent leaders who say they are only using their weapons in self-defence.
A coalition of human rights activists in Canada also expressed grave concern over the role of government forces in Aceh.
"It is completely unacceptable that the military is engaged in launching attacks against the civilian population and delivering relief aid at the same time," says Nancy Slamet, of the KAIROS' International Human Rights Program.
Alex Hill, of another Canadian rights group, Alternatives, accused the government of continuing to cover up its military offensive in Aceh.
"The Indonesian military is afraid to allow international aid organisations and journalists free access to the region because the military has been engaged in a dirty war there for many years," Hill said.