Wahid warns of repressive measures in Aceh

[Ulhas Joglekar]

4 December 1999
Wahid warns of repressive measures in Aceh
BEIJING: Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid warned Friday that
"repressive measures" would be taken if Indonesia's territorial integrity
was challenged by separatists in restive Aceh province during the December 4
anniversary of the Free Aceh Movement.
"It is the right of the president and thW10.TIMf the president to do
whatever is necessary to defend... the territorial integrity of the nation,"
Wahid told journalists on the last day of an official three-day visit to
Beijing.
"We will use repressive forces if we are challenged, if there is no
challenge and its just an expression of their wishes, then its okay, why
not. But if they challenge us we will use repression."
The Free Aceh Movement has set the government a deadline of December 4 --
the date that they declared independence in 1976 -- to decide whether to
hold a referendum on the independence of Aceh.
Wahid issued a written order to the army upon leaving Indonesia for China on
Wednesday, as an "explanation" to the armed forces and police in case "we
are challenged."
He denied the order was issued because of the anniversary of the Free Aceh
Movement.
Wahid on Sunday secured the support of ASEAN and the leaders of China, Japan
and South Korea at an ASEAN summit in Manila, for Indonesia's fight to
secure its unity in the face of several separatist uprisings.
Friday, he further thanked Chinese President Jiang Zemin for supporting his
government's determination to maintain Indonesia's territorial integrity.
Wahid came to power in October as the international peacekeeping force in
East Timor sought to maintain order in the region after violence by
Indonesian army-backed militias broke out following an overwhelming vote for
independence from Indonesia.
Wahid has ruled out independence as an option for Aceh, saying any
referendum would decide whether to grant the province greater autonomy or
special province status, a better share of resources and whether to
implement Islamic Shariah law.
He further reiterated his willingness to meet witht the leaders of the Free
Aceh Movement, but said any eventual meeting would depend on the
circumstances surrounding the meeting.
Aceh, rich in oil and natural gas, has been rocked by violence between
soldiers and supporters and members of the Free Aceh Movement which has been
fighting for a Muslim state since the 1970s.


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