Indo Gov’t throttle aid for tsunami affected Aceh

The New York Times:

“The new restrictions will enable the military to increase its presence in the countryside, where the rebels are strongest and where civilians fear Indonesian soldiers the most.”
…
“As well as announcing the restrictions on movements outside the two main cities, the military said Tuesday that it was requiring aid agencies to tell the military where they are planning to deliver assistance. During the civil conflict, food has been a target of both the military and the rebels, and precise information about where food is being delivered for civilians could be of help to the military in its battle against the separatist insurgents.”

And the SMH:

“A spokesman for the Foreign Minister, Alexander Downer, said yesterday that he had not seen the statements but Australian troops would not stay ‘a day longer than they were wanted’”.

Fair enough. The Indo Gov’t is being cynical and opportunistic, as governments tend to be, especially when dealing with secessionist rebels. Regardless of the internal political situation, no self respecting nation would accept foreign troops kicking around for too long. Military grunts tend not to make good ambassadors (‘good’ brothel clientele, but.)

As an aside, note the difference between the two articles, the SMH is obviously treading carefully and trying not to hit any sore spots. As is Downer's office (for once). Meanwhile, the NYT’s just wades right on in.

Update: For limning of the GAM and TNI issue, Robert Corr has more.