Aceh arrests and attacks expose sham of Indonesia's commitment to peace process

Over the past week in Aceh, Indonesia has repeatedly violated the December 10 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), arresting civil movement activists and carrying out military offensives.

According to Pip Hinman, national coordinator of Action in Solidarity with Asia and the Pacific (ASAP), this is because Indonesia is not serious about peace in Aceh.

"Aceh is an oil- and gas-rich province", said Hinman. "For years, the Indonesian military has built a mini-empire with the help of Exxon-Mobil, which runs these lucrative resource industries there.

"The military has shared in the spoils and need to justify their presence in Aceh to continue their profiteering."

At 1.30am, on February 12, Indonesian forces arrested Muhammad Nazar, the chairperson of the Information Centre for a Referendum in Aceh (SIRA), at his home. Authorities are also hunting down Kautsar, deputy chairperson of Students' Solidarity for Acehnese People (SMUR). On February 16 police issued an arrest warrant for Nasruddin Abubakar, secretary general of the Aceh Student Front for Reform (FARMIDIA).

All three activists are from the non-violent, civil movement. They are targeted for leading a peaceful demonstration on January 9, which called for a referendum on the question of Acehnese independence.

On February 15, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, was quoted by the The Straits Times as stating, "Peace is on the brink of collapse". He cited the referendum call as the cause, despite the COHA assuring the right of "civil society to express without hindrance their democratic rights".

Then on February 16, an armed clash lasting almost four hours occurred in Trumon, south Aceh, when Indonesian military (TNI) launched an offensive operation into an area held by the Free Acheh Armed Forces (TNA), again in violation of the peace accord. During the skirmish, one civilian was shot dead, another wounded and three captured and tortured by the Indonesian military.

TNI reinforcements have been sent to Trumon in armoured vehicles. There are fears of wider military offensives. A TNA commander has called on the Joint Security Committee (JSC) to investigate the Trumon attack. The JSC oversees the COHA and is composed of representatives from the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the TNI and the Swiss-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, which brokered the ceasefire.

Despite such violations of peace in Aceh, both the US and Australian governments have been steadily restoring military ties with Jakarta. Earlier this month, the US Congress voted to fully restore the International Military Education Training program for Indonesian officers, paving the way for a resumption of military ties across the board. Supporting politicians cited the need for Jakarta's cooperation in the "war on terror".

ASAP calls on the Australian government to press Jakarta for the immediate release of Muhammad Nazar and the dropping of all charges against organisers of the January 9 demonstration. Further, the Howard government must end all military ties with Indonesia and push for a full withdrawal of the TNI from Aceh.

Aceh: Voices of peace

with Dr Lesley McCulloch, recently released from 5 months prison in Aceh
Nurdin Abdul Rahman, twice imprisoned veteran human rights campaigner

Sydney: 6.30pm, Friday, Mar 14, Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (across from Newtown station).

Melbourne: 6.30pm, Thursday, Mar 20, New Ballroom, Trades Hall, corner Lygon & Victoria Streets, Carlton.

For interviews and enquireies: Pip Hinman 0412 139 968, Iggy Kim 0421 322 175