SBY pledges peace in Aceh

Hotli Simanjuntak ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Banda Aceh   |  Sun, 03/29/2009 7:22 PM  |  Election 2009

Playing the blues in Aceh: Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono speaks before a crowd of thousands during a Democratic Party rally at Lhong Raya stadium in Banda Aceh on Sunday. According to the results of a local survey, Yudhoyono's Democratic Party is the local favorite among national parties. JP/Hotli Simanjuntak

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono vowed to maintain peace and security in Aceh, during his first campaign stop in the province for his Democratic Party.

“The people of Aceh need security and peace to grow their economy,” Yudhoyono told a gathering of about 3,000 people in his address, which lasted less than 20 minutes.

He said his five-year term was not enough to make ends meet, thus pledging to carry on his government’s programs in the province.

He also called on the six local parties participating in the elections to maintain security during the April 9 legislative polls.

At least 16 people were killed in a series of violence between December 2008 and February 2009 in Aceh.
Yudhoyono then flew to Padang, West Sumatra, for another rally.

He called on the party’s members to continue supporting the government’s programs, including on security, corruption eradication and pro-poor policies.

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