THE shop-house in Jalan T. Iskandar, Ulee Kareng, Banda Aceh, appeared busier than ever. Cars were coming and going, transporting people early last week. The place is not an ordinary shop; no merchandise is inside except for chairs and tables.

There was something else at the facade. A number of red flags with yellow stars in the middle were flying in the wind. It is the headquarters of the Preparatory Committee for the Aceh People’s Party (PRA