December 10, 1999

The government has freed 90 political prisoners, in another attempt to defuse the increasing separatist violence in several regions of the country. In Aceh, a soldier was killed.

December 9; The government is investigating accusations of past army brutality in Aceh. But the growing rebel movement there still wants independence. Along those lines, two died and two disappeared in Aceh. The government has refused to consider independence for Aceh or Irian Jaya.

December 7; The government has agreed to separate the anti-separatist militiamen from East Timorese refugees still in camps in West Timor. The militia continue to abuse East Timorese refugees in West Timor.

December 6; The navy has sent six patrol boats to Aceh, most likely to prevent the importation fo arms for the rebels. Police fired on demonstrators in Aceh and killed one man.