A candlelight vigil will be held outside the Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow, to mark the 60th day of conflict in the Indonesian province of Aceh

Organiser Solidarity for Aceh said it was timely to reflect on the loss of lives, human rights abuses, torture and other violations that have taken place since the start of military offensives on May 19.

"June 18 marks 60 days of fear, disappearance and death in the oil-rich province...many have lost their lives during these 60 days and many more have suffered severe illness and hunger," said coordinator K Shan in a statement.

The group, which calls itself a non-partisan coalition of citizens, views the situation in Aceh as the test of regional commitment to humanity, peace, democracy and human development.

Ensure survival

"Our aim is not to support any particular agenda, but to press that certain measures be taken to ensure the survival, welfare and dignity of the Acehnese people, regardless of their political affiliation, race or creed," said Shan.

War in Aceh broke out following failure of peace negotiations in Tokyo between Jakarta and separatists Free Aceh Movement or Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM).

The Indonesian government also for the first time plans to charge five senior GAM leaders who were arrested in May after being barred from participating in the Tokyo negotiations.

Latest military figures quoted by foreign press have placed the number of GAM rebels killed at 457, with 360 captured and 344 surrendered.