The Indonesian military operation in Aceh (also called Integrated Operations by the Indonesian government) was an operation launched by Indonesia against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) started on 19 May 2003 and lasted approximately one year. This operation was conducted after GAM rejected the two-week ultimatum to receive special autonomy for Aceh under the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). This operation was the largest military operation conducted by Indonesia since Operation Seroja (1975), and the government announced significant progress, with thousands of GAM members killed, captured or surrendered. [4] This operation resulted in the partial paralysis of GAM's military, and along with the earthquake and tsunami in 2004 resulted in the end of the 30-year conflict in Aceh.
Background
After the commander of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), Tengku Abdullah Syafi'i, was killed in an ambush carried out by a 330 Team II / C Airborne Infantry Battalion Member, headed by Serka I. Ketut Muliastra in Cubo, Aceh, on 22 January 2002 at 09.00 WIB, then on 28 April 2003, the Indonesian government gave an ultimatum to end the resistance and receive special autonomy for Aceh within 2 weeks. The Swedish-based GAM leader rejected the ultimatum, but the United States, Japan and the European Union urged both sides to avoid armed conflict and resume peace talks in Tokyo.
On May 16, 2003, the government insisted that the special autonomy was the last offer for GAM, and the rejection of the ultimatum would result in a military operation against GAM. GAM leaders and negotiators did not respond to these demands, and said members in Aceh were arrested on their way to Tokyo
Military attack
After midnight on May 18, 2003 President Megawati Sukarnoputri granted permission for military operations against separatist members. [5] He also imposed martial law in Aceh for six months. The Indonesian government placed 30,000 troops and 12,000 police in Aceh.
In June, the government announced their intention to print a new KTP that all Acehnese must take to distinguish rebels and civilians. NGOs and aid agencies were instructed to cease operations and leave the area. All assistance should be coordinated in Jakarta through the government and the Indonesian Red Cross
In May 2004, martial law in Aceh was reduced to a civil emergency. [1] Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Indonesia Hari Sabarno announced this change after the May 13, 2004 cabinet meeting. The government announced significant progress, and thousands of GAM members were killed, captured and surrendered.
Allegations of human rights violations in Aceh
Although military emergency has been stopped, military operations continue to be carried out by the TNI. An estimated 2,000 people have been killed since May 2003. [3] The TNI said most of the victims were GAM soldiers, but international and local human rights groups, including the government's human rights commission, found that most of the victims were civilians. The evidence shows that the TNI often does not distinguish between GAM members and non-combatants. Investigations also found GAM guilty of brutality in Aceh. [3]
Aceh refugees in Malaysia reported a widespread offense in Aceh, which was closed to observers during this military operation. [2] Trials against members of the Indonesian military were considered difficult, and the trials that had taken place included only low-ranking soldiers who claimed to be merely following orders
Aktive reference link
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