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| Separatist Movements |
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A number of separatist movements in Indonesia are threatening the stability, unity, and territorial integrity of the
country. Indonesia is a nation comprised of many different ethnic and religious groups living on over 6,000 islands. The
government is struggling to maintain the territorial integrity of such a disparate nation, especially after East Timors
separatist movement that led to independence in 1999. Currently, two of the most significant separatist movements operate
in West Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya) and Aceh. In each region, there have been violent confrontations between
separatists and the Indonesian army that have left many people dead or wounded. The question of how to cope with
separatist movements is a challenging one for the Indonesian government. Under Former President Abdurrahman Wahid, there was
some shift towards decentralization and increased regional autonomy. President Megawati is seen as more strongly centrist and less tolerant of separatism. It is with some trepidation that international observers are monitoring the human rights situation in these areas.
For more information, please see the following resources:
Indonesia's Future Prospects:
Indonesia and Separatism:
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