The message came via satellite phone. The caller was out of breath and desperate: 15 civilians shot dead by the Indonesian military, including two children. The location: the village of Tutut Sungaimas, West Aceh. The date: July 19.
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Even before the declaration of martial law in Aceh on May 19, the west was a silent and dangerous corner of Aceh. There is no mobile-phone network in west Aceh and except in two or three main towns, there is no land-line facility. Internet access has not even reached the main town of Tapaktuan. The only contact is by satellite phone.
Of course, some will dismiss these reports of killings and disappearances because of the lack of verification. But confirmation is impossible in this area. Does this mean we should assume it is a sanctuary of peace and harmony when we know in other areas death and destruction is the daily digest of the local people?
We cannot confirm that 15 died in Tutut Sungaimas, nor can we confirm that 70 women and children were taken from Alu Rambok by truck together with many men to an as yet unknown destination. The exact numbers are of little consequence, but we can be certain the incidents took place.
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With foreigners being kept out of Aceh and only local journalists embedded with the military able to report on the situation, news is scarce. Today, Aceh is a dark and grim province of horror, death and destruction. More than 1,000 have died since martial law was declared on May 19. While the world's attention is conveniently diverted by terrorism and other power play constructs, in Aceh's towns and villages, police stations and prisons, it is the innocents who continue to suffer.
Lesley McCulloch Asia Times Jul 29, 2003
