No.344/PHM/V/03

The Indonesian Government decides to Launch Integrated Program for Peace in Aceh

The Indonesian Government has decided to launch an integrated program in order to maintain peace in Aceh and the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. The program includes humanitarian operations, functioning local administrations, law enforcement operations and the restoration of security operations.

The Indonesian Government and GAM signed a peace agreement in Geneva on December 9, 2002. However, serious violations to the peace process by GAM in Aceh and the subsequent cancellation by GAM of a meeting due to take place on April 25 in Geneva led to the Indonesian Government’s decision to launch the integrated program. In order to resolve the deadlock, the Indonesian Government maintains its intention on having peace dialogs with GAM through the Joint Council before May 12, 2003 in Jakarta. However, GAM has indicated that it has no intention of attending the meeting and has proposed to hold the meeting after the deadline of May 12, 2003. The Government of Indonesia continues to maintain the original deadline at the pre-established location.

However, dialog continues to remain an option to resolve existing tensions. The Indonesian Government would like to engage GAM in dialog through the Joint Council meeting if GAM will accept the special autonomy law for Nanggroe Aceh Darussallam (NAD) within the framework of the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.

If GAM’s inability to maintain its commitment to the peace process continues, the Indonesian Government will commence operations to restore security in Aceh. Although the Government of Indonesia supports the peace process, ongoing problems may leave the Government little option but to uphold the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Republic of Indonesia.

New York, 9 May 2003