GAM's useless armed struggle<\/p>\n
Various mass media in the capital have recently carried large
\npictures of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) personnel, including women
\nand children, touting their guns as if ready for battle against
\nthe Indonesian Military (TNI).<\/p>\n
On the occasion of GAM's 23rd anniversary in Jeunib, North
\nAceh, on Dec. 4, Acehnese women in white veils and battle
\nfatigues seemed ready to fight for Aceh's independence. These
\nAcehnese women, known as the \"Troops of Inong Balle\" (widows of
\nmen killed during the military operation period in Aceh),
\nappeared proud to don the fatigues.<\/p>\n
These women would generally not know for sure whether what
\nthey were fighting for was in violation of prevailing laws. Most
\nof them have been made mere shields or instruments for GAM's
\nstruggle against TNI\/National Police personnel to realize their
\nambition for independence, or the establishment of the Islamic
\nState of Nusantara (=Indonesia).<\/p>\n
When I saw the pictures of the women, I was overwhelmed by
\npity and great concern -- not pride and admiration: the feeling
\nthat we usually have when witnessing our women wearing uniforms
\nof the Army women's corps, the Navy women's corps, the Air Force
\nwomen's corps and the policewomen corps.<\/p>\n
Why? Well, if these women were to fight enemies from abroad,
\nmaybe they would be useful to the state and the nation. However,
\nif they are supposed to fight against TNI\/National Police troops,
\ntheir struggle will be useless. Considering their
\nprofessionalism, and the number of personnel and equipment at
\ntheir disposal, it is highly unlikely that GAM will defeat the
\nTNI\/National Police. Therefore, do not render useless the
\nstruggle waged by innocent people! In any country, an armed
\nseparatist movement like GAM is certain to be crushed.<\/p>\n
GAM could be categorized as rebels of the state. Therefore, do
\nnot blame the TNI\/National Police if they resort to a repressive
\napproach. That some on the side of GAM will be shot is part of
\nthe risk that rebels must take. Members of a peace-loving
\ncommunity will not wish to see this happen, particularly
\nsomething that will claim innocent people as victims.<\/p>\n
Therefore, it is now time for GAM to realize their mistake and
\nlay down their weapons. Only in this way can normality return to
\nAceh so that the community can again live in peace.<\/p>\n
ALFIANSYAH<\/p>\n
Jakarta<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/gams-useless-armed-struggle-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }