Aceh to get 70 percent of oil and gas revenue

House of Representative on Thursday approved a bill which will grant limited autonomy to the violence-wracked province of Aceh, where separatist rebels are fighting for independence.

The bill -- the Nangroe Aceh Darussalam Law -- was endorsed by all 10 factions of the House of Representatives (DPR), the state Antara news agency reported.

One of the main features of the bill is the return of 70 percent of Aceh's oil and gas revenues to Acehnese authorities for eight years, Antara said.

Jakarta's perceived exploitation of Aceh's vast oil and gas reserves -- which earn the central government more than 100 million dollars a month -- has been a major factor winning sympathy for the rebels in their push for independence.

The head of the DPR's special committee on the autonomy bill, Ferry Mursyiddan Baldan, was quoted by Antara as saying the bill was "in line with the aspiration of the Acehnese."

"The law will be imposed gradually. It will take effect at least one year after it is passed," Baldan said.

The bill also provides for the implementation of Islamic sharia law, with the establishment of an Islamic court, and direct elections for the provincial governor.

It also stipulates that the appointment of the provincial police chief by the national police chief will need the governor's approval. (*)