Jakarta – President Megawati Soekarnoputri publicly asked on Saturday for forgiveness from all Acehnese for past mistakes of the government. The plea was made by the President before thousands of Acehnese people in a gathering on the grounds of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh province.

"I know that the central government made mistakes in the past. Personally and on behalf of the government, I would like to ask for your [Acehnese] forgiveness," Megawati, who wore a blue dress and a black headdress, said as quoted by Antara.

She asked the Acehnese not to look back to the past, but to concentrate on the future. "If we only look at the past, we will never make progress in our lives," she said in her 15-minute speech.

While asking for the Acehnese's patience in observing the government's development programs, the President noted the importance of establishing peace and order in the troubled province. "We must share a common opinion that we will settle [the Aceh problem] without violence," she said. "Today, I have such a short visit here. But, in the future, when all Acehnese can sincerely welcome any guest visiting the province, I will visit more often," she added.

Half way through her speech, a youth suddenly stood up and raised his hand to interrupt her. Megawati, however, asked the young man to sit down. "I am a guest in this Rencong land. If you were on a visit, would you be willing to be treated impolitely?" she inquired of the youth.

The President told the audience that she had received various suggestions from Acehnese public figures and ulemas on problems in the country's westernmost province.

Previously, Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh said in his speech that Megawati's visit had long been anticipated by the Acehnese. "Here, I would like to convey two important requests – free the Acehnese from fear and release them from poverty," Puteh said.