Thirteen non-government organisations (NGOs) in Penang submitted a memorandum to the Indonesian consulate today, expressing concern over the conflict in Aceh.

Social, Education and Information officer G Sasongko received the memorandum and held a 30- minute meeting with the group's representatives. He promised to raise their issues with the Indonesian government.

In the memorandum, the NGOs drew attention to the Indonesian government's handling of the situation and consequent problems from military operations in Aceh.

"The Indonesian media has been curbed from reporting honestly and critically any news about the Free Aceh Movement or GAM," they said in the memorandum.

"Humanitarian organisations and journalists - both foreign and local - should be allowed free and unfettered access to Aceh."

Among the NGOs that endorsed the memorandum were social reform movement Aliran, Save Ourselves (SOS) committee and human rights group Suaram.

Independent reporting

Speaking to reporters later SOS co-ordinator Ong Boon Keong. said he was disappointed that Indonesia's 'reformasi' government had not dealt with the conflict in a more democratic manner.

He said there was no excuse for the government to behave violently after the 1998 reformasi uprising, and that the police should have been given an opportunity to resolve the matter first.

"The miliary was called in too soon. They do not know how to deal with civilians. When they get involved, anything can happen, " he added..

Ong also said journalists should be allowed to cover both sides of the story in order to prevent any "distortion of news".

He said the Indonesian government should understand that independent reporting would eventually help their cause.

"Our journalists could get into Iraq during the recent war. Malaysia and Indonesia are on the same side in this issue. Why are our reporters facing problems in Aceh?" he asked.

'Declare ceasefire'

Suaram Penang co-ordinator Choo Chon Kai called for the immediate lifting of martial law in the province.

"Both sides must protect the civilian population, and stop the arrest and harassment of human right activists. We also want an end to the arrests and detention of civil society members in Aceh," he said.

Keadilan supreme council member Cheah Kah Peng said both parties in the conflict should declare a ceasefire.

He added that Malaysians are peace-loving people who hope that the predicament of the Acehnese will be resolved soon.