Muninggar Sri Saraswati, Jakarta – A scientist dismissed on Monday nationalist fears that the bill on Aceh governance would lead to the province's succession from Indonesia.

"There is nothing to worry about regarding the concept of self-rule in the context of the unitary state of Indonesia. The bill, which offers greater autonomy, is a good way to settle the Aceh conflict," Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) researcher Syamsuddin Haris told a House of Representatives hearing.

The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the government signed a peace deal in Helsinki last year, ending 30 years of conflict. In the deal, GAM dropped its demand for independence but asked for self-rule for Aceh in the form of special autonomy.

LIPI's Syarif Hidayat said although the concept of self-rule was derived from federalism, it had been adapted so the regional and central governments shared power.

"It is recommended that the government give an extended (form) of autonomy for Aceh, meaning giving the local administration the authority to handle all state affairs except key ones like defense and foreign policy," he said. The researchers stressed the agreement would not lead to Aceh becoming a "country within a country".

Former president Megawati Soekarnoputri and her party, the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle, have voiced their opposition to the law, along with retired military and police officers.

The House has until the end of the month to deliberate the bill as set out in the Helsinki peace agreement. However, legislators say it is likely the deadline for the bill may have to be extended.

The bill also allows for the creation of regional elections in Aceh, which are scheduled to begin in June or July.