Protesters slam moves for Aceh, Papua

[bemildred]

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Indonesia is facing a sporadic, low-level armed
separatist movement in Papua. The government
decision to divide the province into three has
drawn a strong rejection from most Papuans, who
believe that the move is part of the government's
divide and rule strategy.

The government decided to extend martial law in
Aceh for another six months on Thursday,
admitting that GAM rebels remained strong
despite almost six months of virtual military rule.

The military claims it has killed at least 1,000
suspected GAM rebels since May, while 47
soldiers and 16 policemen have died in the
operation.

The National Commission on Human Rights
(Komnas HAM) said last week that the so-called
integrated operation in Aceh had killed 319
civilians and injured 117 others. It also said that
108 civilians were had gone missing.

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JakartaPost