Human rights organisation Suaram has denounced the Indonesian government for launching a military offensive in Aceh, less than a day after the breakdown of peace talks in Japan with the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

In a press statement, Suaram coordinator Elizabeth Wong said the declaration of martial law for the province and the renewed hostilities against GAM forces effectively marked the end of hope and peace for the people of Aceh.

"Evidently, the so-called 'last-minute talks' held in Japan over the weekend were o­nly a charade o­n the part of the Indonesian government to mask its gross inadequacy and its lack of political will in seeking a peaceful solution in Aceh," she said.