A different perspective<\/p>\n
Soegih Arto asks why should the Indonesian government conduct
\npeace talks with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), and then lists his
\npersonal objections (The Jakarta Post. Feb. 15).<\/p>\n
Soegih Arto is to be congratulated for the consistency of his
\nperspective, if not his commitment to peace.<\/p>\n
There are always two sides to every conflict, and GAM -- and
\nmany others in Aceh -- believe they have legitimate grievances
\nagainst Indonesia generally and the Indonesian Military (TNI) in
\nparticular. Reports of TNI atrocities in Aceh continue, even in
\nthe post-tsunami period. Is it any wonder that so many Acehnese
\nfeel alienated from Indonesia?<\/p>\n
The Helsinki peace talks, however, are intended to try to
\novercome this lack of trust, hopefully by arriving at a
\nnegotiated political outcome. That outcome might be within the
\nexisting \"special autonomy\" framework. But if negotiations are to
\nhave any meaning, the resolution might also consider something
\nother than the status quo.<\/p>\n
Soegih Arto thinks such talks should be held within Indonesia.
\nThe problem here is the lack of guarantee of safety. Five GAM
\nnegotiators who tried this were arrested, one of whom recently
\ndied in prison. That is also why the GAM leadership continues to
\nlive abroad.<\/p>\n
If Soegih Arto sees the GAM leadership living abroad as an
\ninsult to Indonesia, one can only wonder at what he thinks
\nabout GAM fighters taking up weapons against Indonesia!<\/p>\n
Claiming that the issue of Aceh is Indonesia's \"domestic
\naffair\" is one perspective. But GAM claims Aceh's independence
\nwas stolen by the Dutch and illegally transferred to Indonesia.
\nBecause there is disagreement on this is why talks must be
\nmediated by an outside organization. Similarly, downgrading
\nthe delegation to the talks would indicate that the Indonesian
\ngovernment does not take the talks seriously.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, it seems these talks are indeed being taken
\nseriously. This, along with a willingness to compromise, could
\npotentially produce a negotiated settlement. I agree with Soegih
\nArto that such a settlement remains a long shot. But unlike him,
\nI believe it is worth at least trying.<\/p>\n
DAMIEN KINGSBURY, Melbourne<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/a-different-perspective-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }