An independent Aceh?<\/p>\n
The conduct of our military during the time that Aceh was a
\nMilitary Operations Territory inflicted on the people of the
\nprovince wounds so deep they are difficult to heal. For that
\nreason, any friction with the military, however small, is enough
\nto make the people's aggressive emotions flare.<\/p>\n
In any case, we cannot allow Aceh to remain an inferno. The
\nreligious people of Aceh, who have proved themselves to be true
\nrepublicans (patriots) since this nation was born, deserve to be
\ngiven an honorable place among us...<\/p>\n
It appears, however, that Aceh's firm commitment to the nation
\nis not properly appreciated by those who hold the power of state
\nin their hands. The state appears totally indifferent to the fact
\nthat with its abundant natural resources, Aceh contributed much
\nof the wealth that helped bring this nation together.<\/p>\n
To judge by what the government has been doing in Aceh, we get
\nthe impression that from the very start it has never been serious
\nin tackling the problem in Aceh. Could this be because Aceh does
\nnot have the same international impact as East Timor?<\/p>\n
Whatever the reason, the use of military force in Aceh is
\nevidence of the government's intent to force the concept of
\nnational uniformity in a form which is both unbending and lacking
\nin judgment. As a consequence, it has failed to keep Aceh in the
\nfold of what is understood to be the Indonesian nation.<\/p>\n
We have no other choice: If we are bent on preserving our
\nnational territory as it is defined in our Constitution, our
\nmilitary will have to try to sincerely understand that the use of
\nforce will only nourish the hatred which is passed from
\ngeneration to generation. Force cannot unite, it can only divide.<\/p>\n
Aceh provides a test of how this country will manage its
\nnational territory. If we fail this test, catastrophe will be in
\nstore for this country. We are now witnessing Aceh's wish to
\nsecede. This is a most serious test that will affect this
\nnation's unity and cohesion.<\/p>\n
This newspaper wishes to sound the warning that unless more
\ndrastic measures are taken forthwith to keep Aceh within this
\ncountry's fold, we had better be ready to witness Aceh become a
\nseparate, foreign, country.<\/p>\n
-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/an-independent-aceh-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }