Aceh Update (May 5)

From The Age (May 5), "Indon spy chief lashes Aceh aid groups":

The head of Indonesia's intelligence agency says some foreign aid groups in tsunami-hit Aceh province are "harming the security situation" with their activities.

Intelligence agency chief Syamsir Siregar told The Jakarta Post that the agency was monitoring a number of foreign non-governmental organisations because of their "irregular" activities in Aceh.

From Christianity Today (May 5), "Tsunami Aid Groups Told: If You Want To Stay - Do Not Interfere":

Foreign relief groups that wish to continue their post-tsunami work in Aceh, Indonesia, must not "interfere in the internal affairs of the country," a government official has warned.

The military, which has an active presence in the area, fears that international involvement would increase sympathy for guerillas of the Free Aceh Movement, says the Associated Press.

The government is currently writing a "memorandum of understanding" that aid groups will have to sign in order to stay in the country, said Komet Mangiri, an adviser to Alwi shihab, whom is in charge of the aid effort.