Indonesia: April 12, 2001

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The government says the security situation in the Malukus is improved enough to withdraw troops. Until a few weeks ago, there were 15,500 troops in the Malukus. Some 2,500 have already been pulled out and more are preparing to leave. In two years of violence, some 4,000 people died. Moslem militant organizations are still in the Molucus, but have been cowed by the large number of soldiers. President Wahid has ordered the armed forces to crack down on rebel violence in Aceh, despite a shaky ceasefire. In Borneo, police are preparing to put 171 Dayaks on trial for violence against settlers. Some 500 people were killed and over 80,000 settlers fled before the army and police were able to restore order.