Do not be discouraged<\/p>\n
On Aug. 21, 2001, The Jakarta Post reported that the central
\ngovernment was planning to send a high-powered team to Aceh, led
\nby the coordinating minister for political and security affairs,
\na very experienced and learned retired general. Looking at the
\nmembers of the team, which consist of top officials of the
\nministries of economy and people's welfare and also a top
\nmilitary man, shows how serious the government is in trying to
\nreach a permanent comprehensive settlement of the Aceh affair.<\/p>\n
But according to Free Aceh Movement (GAM) spokesman Sofyan
\nDaud, the minister's visit is touristic and GAM is not prepared
\nto guarantee the security of the ministers or change the Aceh
\npeople's demand for independence. GAM forgets that this visit is
\nfor the people of Aceh as a whole and not particularly for GAM.<\/p>\n
The Post supported the mission wholeheartedly and, as proof,
\nwrote an editorial on the same day, explaining how big the
\nAcehnese's contribution was in the past during the fight for
\nindependence. The paper wisely omitted the atrocities and
\nviolations of human rights by the very few members of the
\nseparatist GAM members. The Post instead blamed the central
\ngovernment which has totally failed to appreciate and reciprocate
\nthe goodwill and loyalty displayed by the people of Aceh.<\/p>\n
Jakarta has heaped injustice upon injustice on the Acehnese
\nand tried to repress dissatisfaction by arms and force.<\/p>\n
I personally am very happy with the latest decision of the new
\ngovernment and I hope that GAM will accept the government's
\nsincere desire to create law and order in Aceh, and to end the
\nsufferings of our brothers there.<\/p>\n
The climate we need to create is one of peace and tranquility
\nto establish a real democratic society, politically, socially and
\neconomically. The only road we can follow is, according to my
\none-track mind as an ex-military man, honoring the law
\nconsistently and without any exceptions. Another thing which
\nmakes me very happy is that efforts are being made in Indonesia
\nto create peace and prosperity. This shows that at last the
\ngovernment realizes that GAM is a purely domestic problem and
\nthat there is no need to invite foreign intervention or hold
\ntalks outside Indonesia. The fact that there is no staff member
\nin the foreign office included is proof of the revised policy of
\nour government. I have written several times that GAM is a
\ndomestic problem and as such should be tackled by the Ministry of
\nHome Affairs and security officials.<\/p>\n
SOEGIH ARTO<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/do-not-be-discouraged-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }