Indonesia pledges land for rebels who surrender

Indonesia plans to give plots of land to separatist rebels in Aceh province who surrender in the face of an ongoing military offensive in the region.

"Those who want to rejoin the republic will be awarded land that they can cultivate and use to feed their families," regional Agriculture Ministry head Samadi was quoted as saying by the Jakarta Post.

Samadi said the Government would give 3ha of land to ex-insurgents, along with seeds, farming tools and fertiliser.

The military launched an offensive against the insurgency on May 19, when talks aimed at salvaging a five-month peace deal fell apart. Since then, about 250 rebels and 28 police and soldiers have been killed. At least 100 civilians have also been killed.