TITLE: MPs Discuss Aceh Bill

AUTHOR:

PUB: The Indonesian Observer

DATE: February 22, 2001

Leaders of the House of Representatives yesterday began discussions of a draft law that will pave the way for rebellious Aceh province to become autonomous. Legislators hope the law will resolve decades of unrest and bloodshed in the province. House Speaker Akbar Tandjung said the discussions of the draft law should be finished by May. "A consultation meeting between House factions and leaders will discuss the draft law on Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam. We hope the draft law will be completed by May 1," Tandjung said. The draft law, consisting of 14 chapters and 25 articles, is an initiative from Aceh legislators. Based on the law, the local Aceh government will have the authority to handle all aspects of governance with the exception on foreign affairs, defense and monetary matters. The Aceh government will have the authority to manage foreign trade, foreign investment, international cooperation in the sectors of economy, education, science, technology, tourism, social affairs, arts and sport. Legislators who submitted the draft law said the broad authority is a consequence of the decision to give special status to Aceh. It will mean that apart from Indonesian national law, Islamic and tribal laws will also be applicable in Aceh. A legislator from Aceh, Tengku Syaiful Ahmad, recently said he hoped the enactment of the draft law on Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, would increase prosperity in the province. "I hope that the draft law will be enacted in May. Then there will be a chance for locals in Aceh to get relief from the many crises they face," he said. END top