GAM has a political organization throughout Aceh. GAM claims that Exxon-Mobil collaborateswith the Indonesian military (TNI) and iscomplicit in the human rights abuses committed by the TNI. It exchanged diplomatic notes with the United States. (2) There has been a progressive alienation of the population in reaction to the policies of successive Indonesian governments since Indonesia wonindependence from the Netherlands in 1949. Retaliation is a major source of abuses. Political negotiations were to ensue. Independent observers agreed with the TNI accusation that GAM used the cease-fireto rearm and reorganize. The Clinton and Bush administrations have tried to influence the Aceh situation but in ways that would prevent Aceh from worsening U.S.-Indonesian relationsand reducing the possibilities of anti-terrorism cooperation.
Indonesia faces a major separatist insurgency in the province of Aceh in northernSumatra. The Indonesiangovernment has proposed autonomy for Aceh, but insurgents demand independence. Negotiations and cease-fireshave been unsuccessful. Indonesian civilianleaders have been unable to control the Indonesian military, whose aggressive actions in Aceh produce frequentreports of human rights abuses and alienation ofthe populace. The Bush Administration has urged Indonesia to seek a political settlement; but it has been hesitantto deal with the military's actions and seeksrenewed ties with the military in order to cooperate against terrorism.