Aceh peace 'extremely fragile'

Aceh peace 'extremely fragile'

By Rachel Harvey
BBC correspondent in Jakarta

Almost three months after a ceasefire was signed between the Indonesian government and separatist rebels in Aceh, the peace process looks extremely fragile, according to the International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based research organisation.

Suspicion is high on both sides

In a new report, the ICG says there are still fundamental differences between the two sides which need to be addressed if the peace process is to have a realistic chance of success.

After what was supposed to be an initial confidence building period, the peace process in Aceh has now moved into a new phase of implementation.

But the Indonesian Government and rebels of the Free Aceh Movement are as wary of each other now as they have ever been.

The International Crisis Group says that despite a dramatic drop in the level of violence since the ceasefire was signed, failure to resolve outstanding problems could wreck the prospects for peace.

Crucial differences

In particular the ICG pointed to differences over demilitarisation and the final status of the province.

The organisation is calling on the rebels to refrain from taking part in independence rallies. In return, the Indonesian Government should give the rebels an incentive to work within the existing political system.

To that end the ICG suggests early elections to establish a more credible provincial government.

Despite its flaws, the ICG believes the agreement signed last December does represent Aceh's best hope yet for peace.

As the organisation's project director in Indonesia, Sidney Jones put it, if the agreement succeeds, not everyone will win; but if it fails, everybody loses.