AK-34, Jakarta – On Monday June 20, hundreds of Achenese citizens living in Jakarta calling themselves Aceh Care for Aceh (Acheh Peduli Acheh, APA) held a peaceful protest in Jakarta.

The action, which began in front of the parliament, was held in response to statements opposing a fourth round of peace negotiations in Helsinki which were issued by the members of People’s Representative Assembly’s (DPR) and the armed forced (TNI). According to APA this poses a dangerous threat to the peace process in Aceh.

APA spokesperson Helmy said that the action was held in order to urge DPR members, especially members of Commission I and TNI, to think clearly. “Millions of Acehnese have great hopes that this conflict can be resolved peacefully, not by arms”, said Helmy. By this he meant efforts to solve the Aceh question through the negotiations which are being conducted by the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Thamrin Ananda, one of the protesters, said that the action is intended to pressure to the assembly, particularly Commission I, who opposes continuing the Helsinki negotiations. “We should appreciate the government’s efforts to solve the Aceh question peacefully. And to ensure the outcome of the negotiations [is successful] there must be a monitoring team”, said Ananda.

After holding the peaceful protest in front of parliament, protestors will then rally to the Hotel Indonesian roundabout in Central Jakarta, the Japanese Embassy on Jalan Thamrin, the Belgian Embassy and finally the US Embassy. [asf]