The Law on the Governing of Aceh: the way forward or a source of conflicts?
Bernhard May
The Law on the Governing of Aceh (LoGA) was intended as a framework for effective self-government for Aceh. But the drafting process was convoluted and drawn out, and the outcome was complex, going well beyond core issues of 'autonomous' regional governance. May explains how the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has been disappointed with the results, which deviate considerably from the provisions of the Memorandum of Understanding that ended the war, in particular regarding the extent of Aceh's right to exercise authority. Unless a pragmatic approach is taken to implementing the LoGA, it could become a source of renewed conflict.
