INDONESIA: Protests in Jakarta on Aceh

BY COKRO HAMID

JAKARTA — As Indonesian troops launched a full-scale military offensive in Aceh, there have been protests in other parts of Indonesia, especially Jakarta.

Protest and solidarity actions have been organised by the Solidarity Movement with the People of Aceh (SEGERA) and the Ungu Institute, a women's cultural centre.

SEGERA organised a demonstration outside the presidential palace on May 19 and is also involved in organising a public forum to be held in Jakarta on May 27. It has issued a strong statement urging people to reject the opsi militer (military option) as a means to settle the conflict in Aceh. The public forum will also be hosted by the National Student League for Democracy (LMND) and POSRA, a broad coalition of pro-democracy groups opposed to the military option in Aceh.

The Ungu Institute initiated a well-attended night of prayer and solidarity with the Acehnese people on May 20 in the Jakarta Arts Centre. Faiza Mardzoeki, organiser of the event, told the daily Sinar Harapan newspaper: "The women's movement has long demanded the withdrawal of the military from Aceh, but the government and the military have decided to attack."

Mardzoeki said the women's movement would try to send aid and volunteers to help the civilian population of Aceh.

On May 23, the Ungu Institute joined with the Red and White Stage cultural group, the JAKER Cultural Network and the Indonesian Women's Coalition to organise another action against the war in Aceh in the centre of Jakarta.

From Green Left Weekly, May 28, 2003.

Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

From GLW issue 539