Mr Wahid's policy is basically to promise the Acehnese everything he can short of full independence.
The Acehnese, mostly devout Muslims, played a crucial role in Indonesia's own struggle for independence.
Not that this means many Acehnese have come to trust the government in the capital, Jakarta.
It must also decide which Acehnese leaders will be able to sell a compromise to the people.
"By openly publicising violations and violators we want to make both sides answerable directly to the Acehnese, " said Mr Gorman.
With little opportunity for redress under Indonesia's centralised political system, some Acehnese have given support to a shadowy rebel movement.
More money, though, will not be enough to win the Acehnese over.
However, signs are that most Acehnese are already reaping the benefits of last month's announcement that an outline deal had been struck.
ECONOMIST: A peace agreement in Aceh may serve as a template for Papua
Nevertheless, some Acehnese cling to the hope that exceptions can be made.
Almost immediately, the Acehnese began fighting to regain their independence and, in 1959, after repressing a big uprising, Sukarno gave the province a special status, conferring autonomy in areas such as education and religion.
But the company has nonetheless called in favours from the American government when needed, whether to win an Abu Dhabi contract or convince Acehnese rebels to give up their attacks on ExxonMobil staff and property.
应用推荐