Eworaswa, Jakarta – The Aceh Working Group (AWG), a grouping of non-government organisations concerned about the Aceh question, have put forward a three point plan to evaluate [whether or not to extend] the state of civil emergency in Aceh.

First, before taking the next step, the government needs to evaluate the outcome of the state of civil emergency in Aceh in a careful and detailed manner and make the results openly available to the public.

Secondly, those parties who have committed wrongs must be brought to trial in order to demonstrate the governments seriousness. If it doesn’t, it would mean that the government is giving a licence to commit crimes against humanity.

Thirdly, promote and create conditions to facilitate a peace process though a number of steps including providing more space to civilians to conduct their activities without being burdened by the need for official permission or identify checks, hold a dialogue between the government and Acehnese social organisations as well as giving greater access to all parties [to enter and monitor the situation in Aceh].

These proposals were put forward during a discussion which was held at the Hotel Cemara in Jakarta on Monday November 2.

[Translated by James Balowski.]