Aceh governor installation marred by attack

Hotli Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh | Tue, 06/26/2012 9:05 AM

Grenade attack: A police officer inspects the home of Zakaria Saman, a former guerrilla leader of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), in Pineung, Banda Aceh on Monday.

An unidentified person tossed a hand grenade into the house as Aceh’s governor and deputy governor, both former GAM leaders, were inaugurated in Banda Aceh on Monday.

Antara/Irwansyah Putra

Home Minister Gamawan Fauzi on Monday swore in new Aceh governor and vice governor Zaini Abdullah and Muzakir Manaf, both former leaders of the now defunct Aceh Freedom Movement (GAM) who garnered the most ballots in the gubernatorial election on April 9 this year.

The swearing-in ceremony was held at the Aceh legislative council and was attended by thousands of members from the Aceh Party, which nominated the pair, including a number of Cabinet ministers and foreign envoys.

“I have sworn in dozens of governors during my tenure, but this time the ceremony was attended by many representatives from foreign countries,” said Gamawan.

Although the ceremony proceeded peacefully, it was marred by an assault against former Aceh governor Irwandi Yusuf, who was seeking reelection in the gubernatorial election.

Irwandi was reportedly beaten after the ceremony by members of the Aceh Party security task force who were outside the building.

“I was assaulted as I exited the building. Scores of people were cursing me and I was later beaten,” said Irwandi.

Irwandi was at one point protected by police personnel from members of the crowd who were trying to hit him. He suffered wounds on his face and swelling on the back of his head.

“I will report the case to authorities and seek justice,” said Irwandi.

After he was saved by police personnel, Irwandi was immediately rushed to the Zainal Abidin Hospital to be examined.

According to Gamawan, it was the first time that an Aceh gubernatorial inauguration had received such attention from foreign countries.

“Thank you to all friendly nations who have given attention and helped Aceh during the peace and reconstruction process,” said Gamawan.

Gamawan expressed hope that the peace and reconstruction process would be maintained and enhanced in the hands of the new governor for the sake of Aceh’s future.

Gamawan also entrusted Zaini, 72 (the former GAM foreign minister in exile in Sweden before the signing of the Indonesian government-GAM peace agreement in Helsinki, in 2005) and Muzakir, 48, (the former commander of GAM’s Armed Wing) to foster positive communications with various groups, especially the legislative body.

“An unfavorable relationship would have impacts on budgetary discussions,” Gamawan said.

At least 5,000 police personnel were deployed to secure the inauguration of Zaini and Muzakir.

The personnel were stationed at key locations, including the inauguration stage and the inauguration building.

They were also placed around the city to ensure the steady flow of traffic in Banda Aceh.

Apart from the incident, a grenade attack also took place at the house of GAM leader Zakaria Saman in the early hours of Monday. However, no casualties were reported.

According to Zakaria, the attack took place as all tenants were asleep. Police have gathered evidence in the form of grenade shrapnel.

“I have never received threats before because I have just arrived in Banda Aceh,” said Zakaria.

Police are currently conducting their investigation on the terror act against the GAM leader.

“According to accounts from family members, the grenade was thrown from a motorcycle by the perpetrators. They immediately fled after tossing the grenade,” Banda Aceh City Police chief Sr. Comr. Moffan.

The victim’s house was severely damaged, as was a car parked in the garage.

New Aceh Governor Zaini Takes Office

June 25, 2012

Aceh’s newly elected Governor Zaini Abdullah was sworn in on Monday. (Agency Photo)
Banda Aceh. Home Affairs Minister Gamawan Fauzi inaugurated newly elected Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah and his deputy, Muzakir Manaf, at a ceremony here on Monday.

The swearing-in was held in conjunction with the Monday plenary session of the Aceh Legislative Council (DPRA) and was attended by some 6,000 guests, including members of the DPRA.

Also among the attendees were Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto and the founder of the Great Indonesia Movement Party (Gerindra), Prabowo Subianto.

The ceremony marked the beginning of Zaini-Muzakir’s term, which will last until 2017.

Aceh’s Independent Election Commission (KIP) declared Zaini-Muzakir the winner of the April 9 Aceh gubernatorial election.

The ticket is backed by the Aceh Party, a local party founded by former rebels of the now-defunct Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Zaini-Muzakir secured some 1.3 million votes, or 55.75 percent of the total ballots cast on voting day, defeating then-incumbent Irwandi Yusuf and his running mate Muhyan Yunan, who collected only 29.18 percent of the votes.

Muhammad Nazar and his running mate Nova Iriansyah finished third with 7.65 percent of votes cast.

Zaini Supporters Attack Former Gov Irwandi in Aceh

Nurdin Hasan | June 25, 2012

Irwandi Yusuf in an undated file photo. Irwandi was attacked by new governor Zaini Abdullah's supporters as he left Zaini's inauguration ceremony. (JG Photo/Safir Makki)
Banda Aceh. Tensions between Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah and his predecessor Irwandi Yusuf appear to have outlived the fraught election last April, with Zaini’s supporters attacking his rival during Monday’s inauguration ceremony.

The incident occurred after Zaini’s swearing-in ceremony at the provincial legislature, when Irwandi was leaving the building.
Outside the council gates, a crowd of thousands who came in support of Zaini began hurling insults at Irwandi, calling him a traitor.

Irwandi did not respond, but the crowd grew rowdy, and a handful of people rushed at the former governor, hitting him repeatedly over the head.

“He was immediately shielded by police officers,” said one eyewitness. “Things could have gotten really bad if they hadn’t protected him.”

Irwandi was rushed to Zainoel Abidin General Hospital with a black eye and other bruises.

One of the officers in his security detail, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the attackers were wearing red, the color of Zaini’s Aceh Party.

“It started with one of them hitting him in the head. Then six or seven more people piled in,” the officer said.

Irwandi, speaking to reporters after receiving treatment at the hospital, confirmed that “the perpetrators were wearing Aceh Party uniforms,” adding that he recognized some of them.

“The police must investigate this incident, regardless of whether I press charges. There has not been any apology from the Aceh Party.”

Tensions between the party and Irwandi had been high since well before the gubernatorial election in April that had to be postponed several times because of the Aceh Party’s refusal to recognize Irwandi’s bid to run as an independent candidate.

Irwandi blamed the party for a string of attacks in the run-up to the poll; this was refuted as the basis for a legal challenge that he later mounted against the election results.



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Jeanne Hachette10:12pm Jun 25, 2012
The political debate is getting very educating in Aceh. What an example to give to the masses.

dizzy9:52pm Jun 25, 2012
Well what do you expect? Mob mentality is a long and proud tradition in indonistan.

BilboBaggins9:44pm Jun 25, 2012
Sharia certainly seems to have solved Aceh's problems.

kopyor8:42pm Jun 25, 2012
stay classy, Aceh!

Zaini Supporters Attack Former Gov Irwandi in Aceh

Nurdin Hasan | June 25, 2012

Irwandi Yusuf in an undated file photo. Irwandi was attacked by new governor Zaini Abdullah's supporters as he left Zaini's inauguration ceremony. (JG Photo/Safir Makki)
Banda Aceh. Tensions between Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah and his predecessor Irwandi Yusuf appear to have outlived the fraught election last April, with Zaini’s supporters attacking his rival during Monday’s inauguration ceremony.

The incident occurred after Zaini’s swearing-in ceremony at the provincial legislature, when Irwandi was leaving the building.
Outside the council gates, a crowd of thousands who came in support of Zaini began hurling insults at Irwandi, calling him a traitor.

Irwandi did not respond, but the crowd grew rowdy, and a handful of people rushed at the former governor, hitting him repeatedly over the head.

“He was immediately shielded by police officers,” said one eyewitness. “Things could have gotten really bad if they hadn’t protected him.”

Irwandi was rushed to Zainoel Abidin General Hospital with a black eye and other bruises.

One of the officers in his security detail, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the attackers were wearing red, the color of Zaini’s Aceh Party.

“It started with one of them hitting him in the head. Then six or seven more people piled in,” the officer said.

Irwandi, speaking to reporters after receiving treatment at the hospital, confirmed that “the perpetrators were wearing Aceh Party uniforms,” adding that he recognized some of them.

“The police must investigate this incident, regardless of whether I press charges. There has not been any apology from the Aceh Party.”

Tensions between the party and Irwandi had been high since well before the gubernatorial election in April that had to be postponed several times because of the Aceh Party’s refusal to recognize Irwandi’s bid to run as an independent candidate.

Irwandi blamed the party for a string of attacks in the run-up to the poll; this was refuted as the basis for a legal challenge that he later mounted against the election results.



?




Jeanne Hachette10:12pm Jun 25, 2012
The political debate is getting very educating in Aceh. What an example to give to the masses.

dizzy9:52pm Jun 25, 2012
Well what do you expect? Mob mentality is a long and proud tradition in indonistan.

BilboBaggins9:44pm Jun 25, 2012
Sharia certainly seems to have solved Aceh's problems.

kopyor8:42pm Jun 25, 2012
stay classy, Aceh!

5.6 quake strikes off Aceh

JAKARTA: An earthquake measuring 5.6 Richter scale jolted Aceh province in northern tip of Sumatra island today, the Meteorology and Geophysics Agency reported here.

The quake struck at 12:14 p.m. Jakarta time (0548 GMT) with epicenter at 452 km southwest Simeulu of the province and with the depth at 10 km under sea bed, an official of the agency told China's Xinhua news agency by phone.

Indonesia sits on a vulnerable quake-hit zone so called "the Pacific Ring of Fire." -- BERNAMA


Read more: 5.6 quake strikes off Aceh - Latest - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/latest/5-6-quake-strikes-off-aceh-1.97108##ixzz1yjDRtQbc

Prosperity Resources concludes Breakthrough Agreement - 270172

Prosperity Resources Limited announced that it has entered into a breakthrough agreement to accelerate development of its 41,000 hectare gold and copper project in Aceh Province, Indonesia.

The agreement guarantees the involvement of strong and effective local partners to secure and maintain open access to all project areas and to expedite the development of potential open pitting operations for near term cash flow for the benefit of shareholders and the local communities.

The active engagement of strong, effective local partners is essential to successfully advance mineral resource projects in Indonesia. Atjeh Investment Consultancy Private Limited is backed by prominent businessman Mr Pedro Limardo who enjoys close and positive relations with the newly elected Aceh regional government and business community.

The agreement allows Prosperity to shift its exploration focus to the commencement of potential open pit mining operations. In turn, these operations will be supported by the establishment of an ore beneficiation plant, and cash flow will be generated by concentrate exports.

The agreement calls for the staged issue of shares in the Company and the project level IUP holding companies, against key deliverables geared toward gaining and maintaining unrestricted access to the project areas, as follows:
1. 10 million shares in the Company upon execution of the MOU;

2. 2.5 million shares in the Company upon AIC arranging uninterrupted access to the Kuini Prospect, situated within the Company’s ATP IUP for exploration activities and preparation for open pit mining activities;

3. 2.5 million shares in the Company upon AIC arranging uninterrupted access to the Mutiara Prospect, situated within the MKM IUP for exploration activities and preparation for open-pit mining activities;

4. 2.5 million shares in the Company upon AIC arranging uninterrupted access to the Air Pinang Prospect, situated within the AMN IUP for exploration activities and preparation for open-pit mining activities;

5. 2.5 million shares in the Company upon AIC arranging uninterrupted access to the Pelumat Prospect, situated within the BAM IUP for exploration activities and preparation for open pit mining activities;

6. 5 million shares in the Company upon commencement of open pit mining activities by a newly established open-pit mining subsidiary at any two of the Prospects referred to above;

7. 5 million shares in the Company upon commencement of processing ore from the open pit mining activities described above;

8. AIC will be granted unlisted options to purchase up to 20 million shares in the Company as follows:
(I). Tranche 1: 10 million unlisted options to be granted on July 1st 2012 at 10 cents per share in Company, expiring June 30th 2013;
(II). Tranche 2: subject to the exercise in full of the Tranche 1 options, 10 million unlisted options to be granted on July 1st 2013 at a 15% discount from the then market price, expiring June 30th 2014;

9. Allocate a total of 10% shares in each of the Company’s subsidiaries MMU, MKM, BAM, ATP, AWC and AMN and issue them to AIC as soon as the open pit mining activities have been carried out in two of the Prospects mentioned above;

10. Allocate a total of 20% equity in an Indonesian registered Open Pit Mining Company as soon as the Open Pit Mining Company starts its open pit mining activities in any of the areas;

11. Allocate an initial 20% equity in a proposed listed Open Pit Mining Company, which will take ownership of 100% of the shares in the Indonesian-registered Open Pit Mining Company.

12. Subject to all of the conditions mentioned above being met, 10 million shares in the Company will be issued to AIC on the successful listing of an Open Pit Mining Company.

As highlighted above, shareholder value will be unlocked by spinning out this open pit operation and listing it on a regional stock exchange, subject to shareholder and regulatory approvals. The agreement also sets a course for local project ownership, as mandated by Indonesian mining legislation.

The expectation is that this agreement represents just the first step in a long and fruitful relationship between two partners with common interests in acquiring, developing and exploiting additional mineral resources and other projects throughout the substantially under explored Aceh province.

Malaysian Students In Medan, Aceh Unharmed In Earthquake

By Ahmad Fuad Yahya

JAKARTA, June 23 (Bernama) -- Malaysian students in Medan, North Sumatra and in Aceh, Indonesia are reported safe following a 6.6 magnitude earthquake in South Aceh this morning.

Malaysian students in Medan who were sitting for their examinations during the 11.34am (local time) earthquake rushed out into open space at Universiti Sumatera Utara (USU) to avoid untoward incident.

The incident was felt in Medan due to its location opposite the epicentre about 127km southwest of Medan and 1,417km northwest of Jakarta.

Education Malaysia director Assoc Prof Dr Juzhar Jusoh said no injuries or damaged property involving Malaysian students were reported so far.

Meanwhile, students in Aceh said they did not feel tremors from the earthquake as they were far from the epicentre.

He added that Education Malaysia and the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta as well as Malaysian Consulate-General in Medan will continue to monitor the 1,535 students in Medan and 62 students in Aceh.

-- BERNAMA