[Asieh Namdar, Cnn Anchor:] We begin in Indonesia, where crowds marked the country's 55th birthday with ceremonies, tight security, and at least one protest. About a thousand students gathered in the capital, Jakarta, to demand the armed forces be stripped of their parliament seats. The students want to curb military influence in the government. In the province of Aceh, people shunned national celebrations to push for their own independence vote. Indonesia's government says it's trying to extend a three month cease-fire with separatist militias. As Indonesia's RCTI reports, tensions in Aceh are rising as the expiration of the truce draws near.
[Unidentified Rcti Correspondent:] Human rights groups have often criticized the government over the implementation of the joint understanding for a humanitarian clause in Aceh. They say authorities have done little to familiarize the terms of a clause to the general public. But in some parts of the province, villagers seem to know that the cease fire between government forces and separatist rebels will not last forever. The truce stipulated under the joint understanding ends on September 2, prompting villagers to flee to safety in Aceh's oil installations. Aside from a few grenade attacks, these structures have been left mostly untouched by the fighting. But as anxieties rise in Aceh, the government has disclosed it is prepared to extend the joint understanding by another three months. Officials say this will give time for the government to discuss political solutions for the long-suffering province.
[Hasballah M. Saad, Human Rights Affairs Minister:] I think we have to prepare a political deal, political possible solutions. Quite simple, it might be days. We have to discuss soon, but
[Unidentified Rcti Correspondent:] A law on special autonomy for a region that now calls itself Aceh Jaru Salaan is now being deliberated both by parliament in Jakarta, and provincial legislators in Banda, Aceh. The law calls for wide-ranging autonomy in implementing Islamic Sharia law in the staunchly Muslim province, and a fairer share of local revenue from the province's rich oil and gas reserves. But officials have ruled out independence for Aceh saying Jakarta's sovereignty over the region is not negotiable.
[Alwi Shihab, Foreign Affairs Minister:] We think that if there is necessity that after the extension of the humanitarian clause, there should be a necessity action, there should be a decisive measure in terms of sitting together with young people and letting them know that we never be able to compromise our principle, the territorial integrity of Indonesia is something that we will never compromise.
[Unidentified Rcti Correspondent:] Officials say the last word on the extension of the humanitarian clause will come at the end of August. This is the RCTI News Team reporting.