Aug 30, 2006

Acheh: GAM to File Objection to Certain Points in Aceh Governance Law


The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has been urged to file their objection to certain points in the law on Aceh government to the central government and the House of Representatives, which they believed were not in line with the memorandum of understanding on peace signed in Helsinki
The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has been urged to immediately file their objection to certain points in the law on Aceh government to the central government and the House of Representatives, which they believed were not in line with the memorandum of understanding on peace signed in Helsinki."Just do it, if GAM really objects to a number of points in the new law on Aceh governance. The objection could be submitted to the government and the house of representatives (DPR) and we will study it," Secretary General of the Home Ministry Progo Nurjaman told the press on the sidelines of the socialization of the Aceh governance law on Tuesday.

Earlier, GAM believed that some articles of the law were different from the spirit of the Helsinki memorandum of undertanding (MoU) which might put Aceh in a difficult position in the future and the issue on the human rights court which cannot operate retroactively.

As to GAM`s objection, Progo said it was only natural if some parties were not satisfied with certain points in a regulation.

But, he suggested implementing this law first because it has already been socialized, and when the right time comes some changes or corrections could always been made. "The most important thing is how to socialize and promote the new law not only to Aceh community but also to the entire nation," he said.

He hoped that the implementation of the law on Aceh government should serve as an example for promoting autonomy throughout Indonesia. "Now Aceh has become an example which in the future could be adopted by other regions in Indonesia in implementing a broader autonomy," he said.

Dubbed as a model province for other regions in handling natural resources, he hoped that Aceh would have a greater chance in development and to enjoy the results of wealth for the sake of their people.

Therefore, the socialization of the law to the government institutions is necessary, because in such activity, matters relating to authority, finance, land, syariah court and formation of local parties and the election of regional head will be discussed.