Different voices in Aceh<\/p>\n
Halim Mahfudz, Jakarta<\/p>\n
A collaborative initiative arrived at by key institutions to
\nfacilitate the building of a \"new\" Aceh was signed last month.
\nThree agreements -- between the regional legislative council
\n(DPRD), provincial administration, and two universities and the
\nPartnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia -- are means to
\nfacilitate the drafting of a new law for Aceh. Another one,
\nbetween the Aceh Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR)
\nand the Partnership is to ensure the implementation of governance
\nvalues and practices for the new administration in Aceh.<\/p>\n
The collaboration is focused on building a new Aceh based on
\ntransparency, accountability and good governance.<\/p>\n
The new law for Aceh, as stated in the memorandum of
\nunderstanding (MOU) in Helsinki, must be enacted by March 2006 at
\nthe latest. All parties have agreed to cooperate in formulating a
\nnew law. A series of meetings in Aceh concluded that the people
\nof Aceh need a system that sides with them, primarily with the
\nwomen and the marginalized. They hope that those in power -- no
\nmatter whether they are from, the Indonesian government or the
\nFree Aceh Movement (GAM) -- listen to their stories of ill-
\ntreatment and solve their problems.<\/p>\n
The Acehnese long for the restoration of their devastated
\nvalues and yearn for the return of law and order so they can live
\npeacefully. Some say they dream they can go to the meunasah
\n(small mosque) for praying with their neighbors without being
\nsearched by the TNI in the daytime, or by GAM after nightfall.<\/p>\n
Despite enthusiasm over the prospect of a new law, problems
\nare abundant. Time restrictions are a major challenge. But
\nreluctance to cooperate to produce a single draft law based on
\nthe voices of different groups is the most serious enemy. Groups
\nmay tow the draft law in a different direction for their own
\ninterests. While the failure of having a single draft agreed by
\nvarious groups disturbs the whole process of producing a
\ncomprehensive law. In turn, it threatens the peace process in
\nAceh.<\/p>\n
It is true that as a consequence of the MOU in Helsinki, a new
\nlaw is a must. However, it is not only the draft law that is
\nessential, but the process that counts. The key question is how
\nthe process can accommodate the existing groups with various
\ninterests in Aceh. Also, how does the process double as a forum
\nfor dialog and political communications?<\/p>\n
This is a serious challenge for all parties. For the
\ngovernment, the question is, is it ready to design an effective
\ncommunications strategy that embraces all groups as partners?.
\nHow will the government accommodate different interests,
\nparticularly the voices of women and the marginalized.<\/p>\n
For GAM, this is the time to go back home to their friends and
\nneighbors. The opportunities are there to have more mutual
\nunderstanding with the people of Aceh in general and with civil
\nsociety. Furthermore, this is the time to encourage more dialog
\nwith local institutions as well as national authorities. It is
\ntime to build a new Aceh.<\/p>\n
Two elements are crucial for all parties; communications,
\nincluding negotiation, and political good will. It is essential
\nfor the government to work toward a highly developed
\ncommunications strategy and be committed to it. Many
\ncommunications strategies have been one-way communications.<\/p>\n
In addition to an efficient communications strategy, the
\npolitical good will should be based on strong and sincere
\ncommitment to the people of Aceh.<\/p>\n
An extraordinary approach is required. The key is how to
\nencourage the people in Aceh, whoever they are, whatever their
\npolitical aspirations, to speak up. Then, the different voices
\ncan be synchronized into one comprehensive draft law.<\/p>\n
The writer is senior communications and knowledge manager at
\nthe Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia.<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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