THE war in Aceh is definitely draining the nations coffers. To wipe out the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), the government has set aside Rp1.7 trillion. This will be used over six months, the time stipulated in Presidential Decision No. 28/2003 for the integrated operation in Aceh. This sum is greater than the 2003 budget for Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam province, which is only Rp1.6 trillion.

This war budget was announced to the press by Finance Minister B