Indonesian Separatist Movement in Aceh


 

Publication Date: September 2002

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Politics

Type:

Coverage: Indonesia

Abstract:

Indonesia faces a major separatist insurgency in the province of Aceh in northern Sumatra. The Indonesian government has proposed autonomy for Aceh, but insurgents demand independence. Two years of negotiations have been unsuccessful. Indonesian civilian leaders have been unable to control the Indonesian military, whose aggressive actions in Aceh produce frequent reports of human rights abuses and alienation of the populace. The Bush Administration has urged Indonesia to seek a political settlement; but it has been hesitant to deal with the military's actions and seeks renewed ties with the military in order to cooperate against terrorism.