Aceh consensus<\/p>\n
No endeavor will succeed if it does not have the genuine support
\nand blessings of the primary stakeholders in the process. No
\nmatter how ingenuous the initiative, the effort put into it will
\nbe indicative of the confidence in its benefit and eventual
\nsuccess.<\/p>\n
The unanimous show of support expressed by the House of
\nRepresentatives during a meeting to discuss the soon to be signed
\nAceh peace accord was a relief.<\/p>\n
With all the primary state institutions now expressing a
\nformal commitment to the peace deal, there is greater hope that
\nthe challenges which lurk in the implementation of the peace
\naccord can be met with a united front.<\/p>\n
The people of Aceh have for too long been victims of political
\ncircumstances beyond their control. As they suffer, politicians
\nin Jakarta wrangle over positioning based on self interests and
\nidyllic tenets that serve no one but themselves.<\/p>\n
The united front shown by the executive and legislative
\nbranches will help send a clear message to our cousins in Aceh
\nthat the nation truly cares about creating a better future for
\nIndonesia's westernmost province.<\/p>\n
After a series of negotiations over the past six months,
\ngovernment negotiators and representatives from the Free Aceh
\nMovement (GAM) agreed last month to a peace treaty for a
\ncomprehensive end to the uprising in Aceh. Minister of Justice
\nand Human Rights Hamid Awaluddin has been assigned to represent
\nthe government in the official signing ceremony in Helsinki next
\nweek.<\/p>\n
With an agreement all but signed, the support of the usually
\ncranky politicians, and executive that has the political will to
\nresolve the Aceh quandary, this looks like Aceh's best chance for
\npeace in many years.<\/p>\n
A determining factor will by the field response of the
\nIndonesian Military (TNI). Thus far TNI top brass has remained
\nloyal to the President by not rejecting the agreement. It remains
\nto be seen whether all ranks, especially those on the field will
\nfacilitate or jeopardize the implementation of the agreement.<\/p>\n
A particular sensitive phase will come when Acehnese political
\nprisoners are released and a withdrawal of TNI soldiers occurs.<\/p>\n
Only then can we truly measure if all the concessionary
\nstatements are really ones of intent or mere lip service.<\/p>\n
Thus far most of those who have raised concern over the peace
\ndeal have done so under the pretext of \"nationalism\". They are
\ngripped with an inane persuasion that nationalism means
\nmaintenance of the nation-state at all costs -- apparently even
\nif that includes the perpetuation of coercive measures which
\nbring about a torturous life for the very people who make up this
\nnation.<\/p>\n
What these people forget is that it is the very execution of
\nthese tactics that have led to rebellion, the inability to
\nequitably distribute the economic and political rights which
\nevery Indonesian citizen from Sabang to Merauke is entitled to.<\/p>\n
We should all question the relevance of our nation-state if it
\npurposely weakens, let alone systematically undermines, the basic
\nrights of civil society.<\/p>\n
This country was built under the divine principle that
\nsovereignty is in the hands of the people.<\/p>\n
Failing to support benevolent initiatives, such as a peace
\ndeal in Aceh, violates that very principle. It is those, the
\n\"peace-spoilers\", who are the true traitors of this nation,
\nirrespective of whether they are GAM, TNI or politicians.<\/p>\n
Given these circumstances, it is in all Indonesians' interests
\nto ensure that the rules of the peace accord are observed and
\nthat the inevitable complications which will arise are resolved
\nwithout jeopardizing the process as a whole.<\/p>\n
It falls upon civil society -- the media, non-governmental
\norganizations, civil society groups, and even the average man on
\nthe street -- to help oversee the process to ensure that all
\nsides are faithful toward the terms agreed upon.<\/p>\n
No less important is that people everywhere display a high
\nenthusiasm for peace in Aceh and other provinces so that our
\nofficials in turn will remain zestful in maintaining their tough
\ntask ahead.<\/p>\n
God willing, there will be peace.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aceh-consensus-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }