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The Star
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Star
Twenty years on, Aceh and Jakarta continue managing peace
JAKARTA: 'If you run, you are shot. If you don't, you are beaten,' a 20-year-old Acehnese man said about life in the region, as reported by Human Rights Watch (HRW) in 2003, two years after president Megawati Sukarnoputri declared martial law to maintain order in the province following years of failed peace negotiations. For over five decades, states of emergency that involved domestic military deployment were unfortunately the norm rather than the exception for the people of Aceh. Of the eight Indonesian presidents since 1945, three declared a state of emergency in the country's westernmost province, including two in response to the armed struggle for independence with the formation of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in 1976. The first emergency in Aceh, which lasted nine years, was declared by first president Sukarno in 1953 as part of his efforts to suppress the Darul Islam rebellion, an insurgency group that aimed to establish an Islamic state in the region. International reports during this time told of rampant abuses by the military in counterinsurgency operations, which disrupted daily life and raising tensions among the Acehnese population. A second emergency was declared in the 1970s, when the central government moved to suppress local grievances following the discovery of vast oil and gas reserves in the province's north. Massive extractive operations funneled wealth to Jakarta while the average Acehnese lived in relative poverty, further fuelling local resentment against the government and leading to GAM's founding by Hasan di Tiro. During its peak in the late 1990s, GAM had some 15,000 active fighters in its rank and file, although other estimates put the figure at around 35,000, including civilian volunteers. GAM continued to expand its separatist campaign and in 2001, president Megawati Soekarnoputri declared the third state of emergency. Under Megawati's order, Jakarta deployed large-scale military operations that frequently involved indiscriminate violence, according to HRW, including extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, beatings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, as well as significant limitations on the movement of Acehnese people. Despite the government's best attempts to censor any information coming out of Aceh during this time, testimonies from witnesses who had fled abroad painted a picture of widespread human rights abuses. I t was only after the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that the two sides began to look for a long-term solution to the Aceh conflict. The natural disaster, which claimed 250,000 lives across 14 nations, laid bare the province's fragility and made it unmistakably clear that peace was no longer simply desirable, but essential for the survival of Aceh and its people. 'The tsunami was definitely one of the big factors that contributed to GAM's eventual decision to trust the peacemaking process with the Indonesian government,' Munawar Liza Zainal, a former member who represented GAM at the Helsinki peace talks, told The Jakarta Post on Aug 2. 'We could not trust [the Indonesian side] to sit down with [them] at the time,' he added. Over the next seven months, negotiators, mediators and local leaders worked tirelessly to translate a fragile ceasefire into a durable settlement, the stakes crystal clear for everyone at the table: Peace could not be measured in signed documents or military withdrawals, but in whether ordinary Acehnese people could lead normal lives. On Aug 15, 2005, when an agreement granting Aceh self-governance was finally signed 8,400km away in Helsinki, its impact was no less than extraordinary for the millions of citizens still recovering from decades of violence and disasters. 'The day that agreement was signed, peace descended on Aceh. It's astounding, really, how quickly the hostilities stopped,' Munawar recalled, adding: 'peace was people in Aceh having the privilege of sitting still in a hut by a farm, and of entering their places of worship safely'. Far from the European venue where negotiators brokered the deal, the people of Aceh started to measure peace in quieter, everyday moments: sipping coffee at a local stall without fear, traveling freely or having an innocent gathering with their neighbors. 'The anecdotes of how peace has triumphed in Aceh are simple,' Hamid Awaludin, who led the government's negotiation team, told the Post. 'Before the accord, coffee shops in Aceh would open only at 10am and close at 4pm, because everyone was scared. Now people can get coffee from 6am all the way to 1am. This is how we know the peace process has succeeded,' he said. The fact that children in Aceh could go back to school again was also worth celebrating, Hamid said, noting that more than 1,000 schools were burned during the conflict. 'Peace is no woman losing her husband to war. Peace is having people once labelled as traitors by the state working as governors,' he added. The memory of that bloody and tragic history was still fresh when earlier this year, a new scuffle broke out between the Aceh provincial administration and the government over a development that many feared could lead to a return to conflict in the region. In April, the Home Ministry issued a regulation transferring the four islands of Mangkir Gadang, Mangkir Ketek, Lipan and Panjang from Aceh's Singkil regency to North Sumatra's Central Tapanuli regency and triggered pushback from Aceh officials, who cited legal and historical evidence of their jurisdictional precedence over those areas. As protests began erupting across Aceh in June, Jusuf Kalla, the former vice president who handled the process that led to the 2004 Helsinki peace talks, called for all parties to refer to the agreement signed the following year. 'There's an article in the Helsinki agreement, No. 114, which says that any issues relating to Aceh's borders should refer to the boundaries set on July 1, 1956,' Kalla told reporters in July. On June 17, President Prabowo Subianto took a decisive move in siding with the Aceh administration, and the four disputed islands were returned to the province based on 'findings discovered in old documents', according to House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. Following his decision, Prabowo underlined the need for harmony to maintain the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). 'I believe in the principle that we are all one. The concept of NKRI will always remain as our core foundation, and if there is a need for us to reaffirm our mutual understanding, alhamdulillah [praise be to God], I think the resolution has been very swift and good,' he said in a statement. - The Jakarta Post/ANN
Straits Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Excessive force used against LA protesters: Rights group
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox The report documented 65 cases in which law enforcement officers injured protesters and journalists. LOS ANGELES - Law enforcement used excessive force and deliberate brutality against Los Angeles protesters and journalists during demonstrations against US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in June, a Human Rights Watch report said on Aug 18. Scores of people were injured as officers fired hard foam rounds, flash-bang grenades, pepper balls and tear gas from close range, during the largely peaceful response to a dramatic increase in immigration arrests across Southern California. 'Law enforcement officers... used brutal, excessive, and unnecessary force against people standing up for human rights and those reporting on the protests,' said Ms Ida Sawyer, the rights group's crisis, conflict and arms director. The protests erupted on June 6 , in anger at raids by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has been ordered by the Trump administration to target undocumented migrants across the sprawling, heavily Latino city. The demonstrations were mainly confined to a small section of downtown Los Angeles. Largely non-violent, they at times spiralled into chaotic scenes that Mr Trump pounced on to send 4,000 National Guard and 700 Marines into the city – a move loudly protested by local officials. Compiling the report, Human Rights Watch staff observed protests, visited locations of immigration raids in mid-June, and interviewed dozens of people. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. World Trump tells Zelensky US would help with Ukraine's security in a peace deal Singapore 'I vaped when I woke up until I slept': More youth vaping to cope with stress, say social workers Singapore 'I'd have phone in one hand, vape in the other': Youth addicted to vapes gets help to quit habit Singapore 'We don't want youth to enter darker places': Counsellors say support key to kicking vaping habit World Hamas accepts proposed deal for ceasefire with Israel and hostage release, Egyptian source says Singapore Jobs, infrastructure and homes at the core of Singapore's resilience: Economists The report documented 65 cases in which law enforcement officers injured protesters and journalists but warned that the 'actual number is most likely much higher.' On one occasion, a police officer shot three people at 'very close range with kinetic impact projectiles,' leaving them in serious pain for days. 'Before shooting one of them in the groin, the officer said: 'I'm going to pop you, as you are taking up my focus,'' the report found. Other reported injuries included broken bones, concussions, an amputated finger, and severe eye damage. An Agence France-Presse photographer was shot in the face with a rubber bullet by law enforcement while covering a protest in downtown Los Angeles on June 14. At least three other journalists were also injured. The US Constitution guarantees the right to free speech and peaceful assembly, and protects against the use of excessive force by law enforcement. California has laws restricting the use of 'less lethal weapons' during protests, and protecting the rights of journalists. AFP
Sharjah 24
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Sharjah 24
Hong Kong court hears closing arguments in Jimmy Lai's trial
The 77-year-old founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper has pleaded not guilty to two counts of foreign collusion, with authorities accusing him of using various platforms to lobby Western nations to sanction China and Hong Kong. The charges are brought under the city's national security law, which Beijing imposed after the finance hub saw huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019. The trial was scheduled to begin its final stages last Thursday but was postponed twice: first due to bad weather and then to address Lai's medical needs. The defence had said on Friday that Lai was experiencing heart "palpitations" and had an episode where he felt like he was "collapsing". Prosecutor Anthony Chau said on Monday that Lai had been prescribed medication and was wearing a heart rate monitoring device, which was given to him on Friday. "(Lai) has made no complaint on his heart condition or general health condition and is fit to attend court," Chau said. Judge Esther Toh also read out a memo by a senior medical officer saying that Lai was "physically and mentally fit for court". Concerns have been raised previously over Lai's health by his family and rights groups. The media tycoon has been kept behind bars since December 2020, reportedly in solitary confinement, and has lost weight during that time. The Hong Kong government said in a statement on Friday that the "medical care received by Lai Chee-ying in custody is adequate and comprehensive". "In view of (Lai's) claims of heart palpitations, after a visiting specialist from the Hospital Authority conducted a detailed examination on him on August 7, no abnormality was found," the statement read. Legal issues debated Dressed in a white shirt and pale windbreaker, Lai appeared in court on Monday without any medical equipment visible on his body. He smiled and waved to supporters and family members in the public gallery when he entered. He listened to Monday's court proceedings via a set of headphones and closed his eyes for a few minutes during the morning session. The long-running trial, which began in December 2023, is entering its final stages as Western nations and rights groups continue to call for Lai's release. Aside from the collusion offence -- which could land him in prison for life -- Lai is also charged with "seditious publication" related to 161 op-eds carrying his byline. Prosecutors are expected to take two days to make closing arguments, Chau said. He spent Monday morning addressing legal issues, such as the interpretation of "collusion" under Hong Kong's national security law. Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said last week that Hong Kong should "drop the baseless charges" against Lai, adding that holding him in "prolonged solitary detention while his health fails has been outrageously cruel". US President Donald Trump told a Fox News radio programme last week that he brought up the tycoon's case with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I'm going to do everything I can to save him," the outlet quoted Trump as saying. The Hong Kong government last week said it "strongly disapproved and rejected the slanderous remarks made by external forces" regarding Lai's case.
Yahoo
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hong Kong court hears closing arguments in tycoon Jimmy Lai's trial
Hong Kong prosecutors on Monday began closing arguments in the trial of pro-democracy media tycoon Jimmy Lai, saying the septuagenarian was fit to attend hearings after an adjournment last week to equip him with a heart monitor. The 77-year-old founder of the now-shuttered Apple Daily newspaper has pleaded not guilty to two counts of foreign collusion, with authorities accusing him of using various platforms to lobby Western nations to sanction China and Hong Kong. The charges are brought under the city's national security law, which Beijing imposed after the finance hub saw huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests in 2019. The trial was scheduled to begin its final stages last Thursday but was postponed twice: first due to bad weather and then to address Lai's medical needs. The defence had said on Friday that Lai was experiencing heart "palpitations" and had an episode where he felt like he was "collapsing". Prosecutor Anthony Chau said on Monday that Lai had been prescribed medication and was wearing a heart rate monitoring device, which was given to him on Friday. "(Lai) has made no complaint on his heart condition or general health condition and is fit to attend court," Chau said. Judge Esther Toh also read out a memo by a senior medical officer saying that Lai was "physically and mentally fit for court". Concerns have been raised previously over Lai's health by his family and rights groups. The media tycoon has been kept behind bars since December 2020, reportedly in solitary confinement, and has lost weight during that time. The Hong Kong government said in a statement on Friday that the "medical care received by Lai Chee-ying in custody is adequate and comprehensive". "In view of (Lai's) claims of heart palpitations, after a visiting specialist from the Hospital Authority conducted a detailed examination on him on August 7, no abnormality was found," the statement read. - Legal issues debated - Dressed in a white shirt and pale windbreaker, Lai appeared in court on Monday without any medical equipment visible on his body. He smiled and waved to supporters and family members in the public gallery when he entered. He listened to Monday's court proceedings via a set of headphones and closed his eyes for a few minutes during the morning session. The longrunning trial, which began in December 2023, is entering its final stages as Western nations and rights groups continue to call for Lai's release. Aside from the collusion offence -- which could land him in prison for life -- Lai is also charged with "seditious publication" related to 161 op-eds carrying his byline. Prosecutors are expected to take two days to make closing arguments, Chau said. He spent Monday morning addressing legal issues, such as the interpretation of "collusion" under Hong Kong's national security law. Elaine Pearson, Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said last week that Hong Kong should "drop the baseless charges" against Lai, adding that holding him in "prolonged solitary detention while his health fails has been outrageously cruel". US President Donald Trump told a Fox News radio programme last week that he brought up the tycoon's case with Chinese President Xi Jinping. "I'm going to do everything I can to save him," the outlet quoted Trump as saying. The Hong Kong government last week said it "strongly disapproved and rejected the slanderous remarks made by external forces" regarding Lai's case. hol/reb/jfx
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Politics
- BBC News
War-torn Myanmar to hold first general election since 2021 coup
Myanmar will begin its general elections on 28 December, its military government announced, in a phased poll widely condemned as a sham that will be used to entrench the junta's will be the first vote since the junta seized power in a bloody coup in 2021, and imprisoned democratically elected leader Aung San Sung has been embroiled in a civil war since, with deadly battles between the military and ethnic armed groups, many of whom have said they would not permit voting in their plans to hold an election were repeatedly delayed as the military has struggled to contain an opposition insurgency which has gained control over much of the country. Some 55 parties have registered for the polls, state media said Monday, adding that nine of them plan to compete for seats nationwide."The first phase of the multi-party democratic general election for each parliament will begin on Sunday, 28 December 2025," Myanmar's election commission said in a statement."Dates for the subsequent phases will be announced later."With large parts of Myanmar under opposition control and in a state of war, holding this election is a formidable logistical exercise for the country's military rulers. But the junta's leader Min Aung Hlaing, who led the catastrophic coup four and a half years ago, has said the vote must go ahead, and has threatened severe punishment for anyone who criticises or obstructs the election. The National League for Democracy, led by Suu Kyi, which won landslides in the two elections prior to the coup, will not be allowed to contest this one. The planned election has been widely dismissed, but it has the support of Myanmar's most powerful neighbour China, which views stability in the South East Asian nation as a vital strategic believe the junta will use the polls to maintain its power through proxy political parties. Tom Andrews, the United Nation's special rapporteur on the rights situation in Myanmar, had in June accused the junta of designing a "mirage of an election exercise" to give itself a veneer of legitimacy. Andrews called on the international community to reject the elections to "not allow the military junta to... get away with this fraud".Thousands of people have been killed across Myanmar since the coup, which has destroyed the economy across much of the country and left a humanitarian has also been hit by a devastating earthquake in March and international funding cuts, that have left vulnerable people in desperate and dangerous junta would be "delusional" to think that an election held under the current circumstances will be considered "remotely credible", Human Rights Watch told the BBC earlier this year."As a precursor to elections, they need to end the violence, release all those arbitrarily detained, and allow all political parties to register and participate instead of dissolving opposition parties," the NGO said.
