A top Indonesian politician Friday urged the House of Representatives (DPR) to enact the bill on Aceh autonomy into a law as lawmakers have now missed the March 31 deadline.

Hidayat Nur Wahid, chairman of highest lawmaking body People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), asked legislators to pass the law without further delay.

"The bill on the governing of Aceh concerns with peace and prosperity of the Aceh people. It should have been completed without any delay," Hidayat was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

The autonomy law was part of an agreement between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed in Helsinki last August.

Under the agreement, the government agrees to enact a law granting Aceh partial self-rule on March 31.
Local media reports said legislators failed to reach a consensus over an article that allows an independent candidate to run for local election.

Legislators said any candidates must have political party as their vehicle, the same rule applies in any other provinces.
Despite the delay, Hidayat said Aceh is now largely in peace, stressing that an autonomy law will ensure a permanent peace in the formerly rebellious province.

Source: Xinhuanet