2003–2004 Indonesian offensive in Aceh

2003–2004 Indonesian offensive in Aceh
Part of the Insurgency in Aceh (1976–2005)

Location of Aceh in Indonesia
Date May 19, 2003 – May 13, 2004
Location Aceh, Indonesia
Result Decisive Indonesian victory
Belligerents
 Indonesia Free Aceh Movement
Commanders and leaders
Megawati Soekarnoputri
Endriartono Sutarto		 Hasan di Tiro
Muzakkir Manaf
Strength
15,000[1] 90,000[2]
Casualties and losses
2,000 dead (mostly civilians)[3]

The 2003–2004 Indonesian offensive in Aceh against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists was launched May 19, 2003 and lasted nearly one year. It followed a two-week ultimatum to GAM to accept special autonomy under Indonesian rule. It was one of the Indonesian military's largest campaigns since the 1975 invasion of East Timor. It severely disabled the rebel movement, and along with the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake brought the 30-year conflict in Aceh to an end.

References

  1. ^ People's Daily Online - Chronology of important events in Indonesia's Aceh
  2. ^ Indonesia: Refugees Reveal Widespread Abuses in Aceh (Human Rights Watch, 18-12-2003)
  3. ^ KAIROS-Conflict in Aceh

External links