The Brunei Times, 12-Jul-07
Indonesia: rule of law for separatists
JAKARTA, 12-Jul-07
THE government will not take repressive actions in dealing with separatist activity
which has recurred lately in Maluku, Papua and Aceh, a senior minister said.
"To overcome the recent cases (of separatist activity) in Ambon, Papua and Aceh, we
must take firm and measured actions while continuing to apply the rule-of-law
approach instead of repressive actions," Indonesia's Antara news agency quoted
Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, Widodo AS, as saying
here.
Speaking to the press following a limited cabinet meeting led by President Susilo
Bambang Yudhoyono at the State Palace here Tuesday evening, Widodo said the
authorities in the regions concerned should be able to tackle separatist movements
through law-based approaches.
Law-based approaches were needed to keep the national security conditions safe,
orderly and stable in the interest of economic development to promote the people's
welfare, he said.
About the efforts of certain people in Aceh to set up a political party boasting GAM
(Free Aceh Movement) attributes, Widodo said their initiative was a deviation from the
Helsinki peace deal and a violation of Law No 11 of 2006 about Aceh's administration
which required the legitimate government to maintain peaceful conditions in Aceh.
The minister also said the provisions in the law must be taken into account in
considering the issuance of a permit for the party's establishment.
National Police Chief Gen Sutanto said the police's investigation into the recent
"RMS" (Republic of South Maluku)-inspired incident in Ambon, Maluku, was being
widened with efforts to find RMS figures and supporters residing in Maluku as well as
in other regions. Bernama
Copyright © 2006.
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