Aceh: GAM initiates new party

The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has officially started the process of forming a local political party following a meeting in the provincial capital of Banda Aceh on June 4, which was attended by GAM leaders, members of the Aceh Transitional Committee (KPA) and activists from the Aceh Referendum Information Centre. KPA Chairperson Muzakir Manaf said that that the idea to form a local party is part of GAM's political struggle following the Helsinki peace deal signed by GAM and the Indonesian government on August 15, 2005. "Now is the time for us to undertake measures to create an Aceh that is more just and dignified", he told Acehkita.com on June 5. Aceh is the only province in Indonesia where law permits the formation of local parties not affiliated with an existing nationally based party. Three local parties have already been established — the leftist Acehnese People's Party, the Acehnese People's Alliance Party for Women's Concern and the Gabthat Party.

From GLW issue 713