[pagan-magik] Indonesian military brings thugs and terrorists into Acheh

[Ian]

Indonesian military brings thugs and terrorists into Acheh

The Government of the State of Acheh (PNA)
Ministry of Information
P.O.BOX 130, S-145 01 NORSBORG, SWEDEN

Statement by the government in exile of Acheh, 9 January 2005

Regarding the Islamic Defenders Front and the Indonesia Mujahidin Council in
Acheh

The government of Acheh in exile, the PNA/ASNLF, deplores the arrival in Acheh
of members of the thuggish so-called Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and the
terroristic Indonesia Mujahidin Council (MMI). The introduction of these
organizations into Acheh at this most critical time squanders scarce resources
by the Indonesian government which is better allocated to the victims of the
recent tsunami.

The FPI and MMI are not welcome in Acheh and have never been supported by the
Achehnese people, nor has their presence been requested. The FPI has been
involved in sectarian killings in Maluku and Central Sulawesi and illegal
attacks against non-Muslims and others in Java and elsewhere.

The FPI, which is made up of street thugs and minor criminals, was established
as a militia by TNI generals on 17 August 1998 to act as a vanguard against
Indonesia's pro-democracy activists. It has since become infamous for attacking
nightclubs and other places it claims contradict the teachings of Islam.

However, as is well known, the FPI has used these attacks to extort 'protection'
money from bar owners. The FPI continues to act with the support of, and on
behalf of, TNI generals, and is clearly in Acheh on their behalf.

The MMI, which is the umbrella organization for groups such as Laskar Jihad,
Laskar Jundullah and the FPI, was established in 1999 and headed by the leader
of the terrorist organization Jema92ah Islamiyah, Abu Bakar Ba92asyir. It has
the explicit aim of turning Indonesia into a non-democratic fundamentalist
Islamist state. MMI92s military wing, Laskar Mujahidin, used TNI sourced weapons
in sectarian operations in Maluku and Central Sulawesi in 2000 and 2001.

The actions and words of both the FPI and MMI are against the teachings of the
Holy Qur92an and the Hadith and contradict the tolerance and faith of Achenese
Muslims. Neither the FPI nor the MMI has any credentials or skills in disaster
relief, and their presence is clearly intended as a provocation to the people of
Acheh. Their intervention in Acheh is therefore counter-productive and is not
wanted.

At a time when the international community is so generously assisting the people
of Acheh, the Indonesian government is wasting valuable funds by assisting these
criminal organizations to travel to and stay in Acheh. It is thus showing that
it is not concerned for the welfare of the Achehnese people, but is cynically
intent on causing more chaos for the suffering people of Acheh.

The PNA/ASNLF also deplores the continuing military operations against its
forces in Acheh, who have declared a unilateral ceasefire in order to facilitate
the relief effort. Again, this diversion of scarce resources at such a desperate
time shows the Jakarta government is not concerned with the welfare of the
Achehnese people, but only with its colonial military domination of our
homeland.

We therefore call on the international community to demand that the FPI and MMI
leave Acheh, and that the Indonesian government immediately call a halt to
military operations. Like Achehnese forces, it should focus its efforts on
helping the Achehnese people in this time of their greatest need, or it should
get out.

Bakhtiar Abdullah, Information Officer

TEL : +46 8 531 83833, FAX: +46 8 531 91275, EMAIL: info at asnlf.net



 
-- 
Bye now,
        Ian.