[JURIST] The Indonesian government [official website in Bahasa Indonesian; CIA backgrounder] on Thursday submitted a draft law to parliament that would grant the Aceh province [JURIST news archive] some degree of self-rule. The proposal comes after the historic signing of a peace accord [PDF text; JURIST report] in August between Indonesia and the rebel group, Free Aceh Movement (GAM) [BBC backgrounder]. The legislation will be debated soon, and is expected to be a divisive issue within the Indonesia House of Representatives [DPR official website]. Legislators have expressed concern over a few articles of the draft, including one which allows the formation of local political parties in the province. The degree of autonomy granted to Aceh through the new legislation is also expected to receive heavy debate. If passed, the law would come into effect on March 31. AFP has more. The Jakarta Post has local coverage.
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