Aceh students, SIRA oppose Megawati's visit<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Expressing their pessimism about a possible
\nresolution to the Aceh problem, the Jakarta-based Acehnese
\nStudent and Youth Association opposed on Thursday President
\nMegawati Soekarnoputri's visit to the strife-torn province, while
\nthe Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA) in Banda Aceh said
\nthat the visit would not make any difference.<\/p>\n
Both the students and SIRA said in separate statements that
\nthe President's visit, scheduled for Saturday, was just a
\ncourtesy gesture that would contribute nothing to sincere efforts
\nto end conflict in the province.<\/p>\n
The students' written statements were signed by the
\nassociation chairman Fajran Zain and secretary Hafas Furqani.<\/p>\n
\"We also urge that President Megawati be consistent in
\nimplementing all programs to resolve the conflict and stop
\nconducting experimental actions which will only lose people's
\ntrust. Just concentrate on the existing programs, not the pseudo
\nactions,\" the statement said.<\/p>\n
SIRA spokesman Faisal Ridha said that conflict in Aceh was not
\nrelated to the economy, Syariah Islam (the implementation of
\nIslamic Law), or special autonomy.<\/p>\n
\"It's a question of oppression by one country toward another.
\nIf this core problem is not dealt with, the conflict will
\ncontinue and Jakarta's enticement to provide a larger amount of
\nmoney for Aceh will not be fulfilled,\" Faisal said.<\/p>\n
The student and youth association also demanded that military
\nmeasures be stopped and that negotiations involving all elements
\nin Aceh be encouraged.<\/p>\n
The statement said that, the fact that the Indonesian Military
\n(TNI) will provide maximum security for President Megawati
\nindicated that Aceh really was an insecure place, even for a
\npresident.<\/p>\n
\"Then how about the people (civilians) of Aceh who need proper
\nprotection from the military oppression?\" it added.<\/p>\n
Megawati will travel to Aceh on Saturday morning and return to
\nJakarta in the evening.<\/p>\n
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs
\nSusilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the President wanted to
\nreceive accurate information about the situation in Aceh and
\nexplain the government's policy on Aceh, including the Law on
\nNanggroe Aceh Darussalam.<\/p>\n
The President will also meet with community groups (selected
\nby Governor Abdulah Puteh) and offer special advice to the Aceh
\ngovernor, the TNI and police in the province.<\/p>\n
Megawati's plan has drawn mixed responses from concerned
\nparties.<\/p>\n
Previously, the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) spokesman
\ninsisted that Megawati hold talks with its leader, Hasan di Tiro,
\nin Sweden to initiate further dialogs between GAM and the
\ngovernment.<\/p>\n
Tiro declared Aceh's independence in New York on Dec. 4, 1976.<\/p>\n
An NGO activist, Maimul Fidar, said \"it will be very
\ndisturbing for Aceh people if Megawati just wants to go
\nsightseeing in Aceh during her short visit.\"<\/p>\n
\"She must talk with poor Aceh people living in refugee camps,
\nand rights violations in Aceh must be settled legally. Talks with
\nGAM are also a must,\" Maimul said.<\/p>\n
Megawati had earlier apologized to the people of Aceh and
\nIrian Jaya for rights abuses committed (mostly by the TNI) in the
\npast.<\/p>\n
Common people<\/p>\n
Most people interviewed about Megawati's visit gave various
\nresponses.<\/p>\n
Nyak Halimatussakdiah, 59, a vegetable vendor said she had
\nnever cared about politics. \"I'm a stupid poor woman. I know
\nnothing about politics. For me, getting money for daily needs is
\nmost important. It's no problem if the President visits Aceh as
\nlong as a shootout does not take place. Shootouts only make poor
\npeople like me sad -- I cannot sell the vegetables,\" she said.<\/p>\n
According to 29-year-old driver Razali, Megawati has a right
\nto visit Aceh. \"But, is it the right time for Megawati to visit
\nAceh? I hope that the security doesn't deteriorate during her
\nvisit. What Acehnese people long for is feeling secure.\"<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, 23-year-old Syah Kuala University student Rehanil
\nJannah said that Megawati's visit should be interpreted as a
\npositive gesture, indicating her serious concern for Aceh.<\/p>\n
\"I'm trying to think positively. I see no problem if she
\nvisits Aceh, but I hope that the visit will not just be a
\ncourtesy call. It (the visit) must be fruitful. A short visit
\nwill not relieve Acehnese resentment, but we should see the visit
\npositively or Acehnese people will not have greater prospects,\"
\nRehanil said. (50\/sur)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/aceh-students-sira-oppose-megawatis-visit-1447893297",
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