As the Indonesian army continues to fight with two different rebellions, the Indonesian President, Megawati Sukarnoputri, has suggested using vigilante groups to help establish order. She made the remark in a televised speech saying the government has to consider letting people defend themselves as had been done before. Some believe a militia has already been raised to help the military with the Aceh rebellion. Allegedly, smaller groups have been established in Papua as well. The statement has raised concerns that another East Timor situation could arise. In 1999, armed civilian groups rampaged through East Timor killing hundreds of people after citizens voted for independence from Indonesia.
