Defense Minister: Respect GAM Victory
Tuesday, 12 December, 2006 | 17:20 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: Defense Minister Juwono Sudarsono asked all sides to respect the result of the direct election of Nanggroe Aceh Darusalam’s governor.

“We need to respect votes that were given and the percentage. There’s nothing to worry about,” said Juwono after opening the coordinating meeting of civil servant development at his office, Tuesday (12/12).

As reported, the initial results of the election quick count are governor and deputy governor candidates from the independent group, Irwandi Yusuf and Muhammad Nazar, gained the most votes. The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) notables gained quite significant votes and are in the lead of other candidates. GAM also led the votes in the direct election of regent or mayoral positions.

According to Juwono, the Aceh election result is a reflection of the Acehnese’s aspiration that is realized in the Republic of Indonesia framework and special autonomy. Thus, there should be no concern that it will cause the wish to free Aceh from RI. This is because the regional leaders election was held under the laws of the Constitution, Pancasila (the national ideology), ‘United in Diversity’ slogan and the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.

DIAN YULIASTUTI