But increasing numbers of women have become fighters. They are seen as the cutting edge of the independence struggle. GAM and AGAM are largely supported by contributions from the Achenese people. We have chosen to pursue independence through the demand for an internationally sponsored referendum. GAM has always advocated independence and never sought or negotiated for autonomy.
Negotiations focus on ceasefires and humanitarian concerns.
When Suharto fell, many Achenese came to believe for the first time that they might be allowed to express their sentiments through a referendum, as the East Timorese did and as President Wahid initially promised. This is still our hope, despite Indonesia's escalation of gross human rights violations, including torture, rape, assassinations and extra-judicial killings. The Indonesian government has a large military presence in Aceh. By most estimates, between 30,000 and 40,000 Indonesian security personnel are now stationed in Aceh, including thousands of Kopassus special forces. This represents an even greater Indonesian military presence than existed under the 1989-1998 Special Military Operation during which many thousands of Acehnese were murdered.