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ACEH: Conflict escalates in Aceh

Submitted by a-imc features crew (not verified) on 26 May 2003 - 3:10am
in
  • International

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Aceh is a resource rich area with one of the world's largest oil and gas reserves, as well as having substantial gold and timber resources. In addition to being exploited by US and Japanese multi-nationals, the Jakarta-based political and business elite drain resources from Aceh.

There has been ongoing conflict between the government of Megawati Sukarnoputri and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) guerrillas demanding independence from Indonesia.The country is now on the verge of a humanitarian disaster.

A letter from the West Papuan People's Representative Office states "that the Indonesian military is intent on subjecting the population of Aceh to the same 'punishment' as it inflicted on the people of East Timor".

Indonesian forces, who have embedded journalists, have been accused of massacring 18 civilians, and setting fire. to 100 schools

Protests have taken place in Wellington, and in Jakarta, where two Australian protesters were arrested. There is a
call for23rd May to be a day of action against the
Indonesian Government's invasion of Aceh with 45,000
troops.

Read more:

Action in Solidarity with Asia and the Pacific | Tapol, the Indonesia Human Rights Campaign | Human Rights Watch | Jakarta Indymedia | Melbourne Indymedia


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