The lesser of two evils?<\/p>\n
The use of words in the ongoing discussions between the Free
\nAceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government is exactly
\nthat.<\/p>\n
Everybody knows that trust is non-existent between the
\nAcehnese and Jakarta -- and with good reason. That said, the
\nproblem still exists that self-government will not guarantee
\ndemocracy or an openness that will take on board the wishes of
\nordinary people.<\/p>\n
The local Aceh administration from top to bottom has
\nhistorically looked after itself, and in doing so has neglected
\ntheir own people. The same can be said of other regions where
\nentire councils are accused of corruption. So in reality, are the
\nlocal legislators better or worse than those that reside in
\nJakarta?<\/p>\n
Better, I suppose, in as much that more wealth will stay in
\nthe regions, but that does not mean it will go to the poor.
\nSurely what we see today through the actions of the previous Aceh
\ngovernor and his administration is that the greed is exactly the
\nsame, but of course autonomy brings it in-house and within the
\ngrasp of the local elite.<\/p>\n
Even the tsunami has hugely benefited the rich Acehnese while
\nthe poor remain in tents. So are we really looking at the lesser
\nof two evils where neither camp is at all interested in creating
\na more equal society that puts justice at the top of its agenda?<\/p>\n
Those that represent GAM should consider whether everything
\nthey accuse Jakarta of is not the same or similar to what they
\nwould do if they were in the corridors of power. Nobody in Aceh
\nhas set an example of good leadership, so why should the people
\nput their faith in any particular group?<\/p>\n
Is it not a case of everyone, no matter their level, being
\nonly interested in what they can get out of the situation for
\nthemselves? In other words take what you can and give nothing. As
\nthe fingers point to the G-8 countries, take a hard look at what
\ngoes on within your own shores and tell me that Indonesia, or the
\nAcehnese for that matter, are any different from those they
\naccuse?<\/p>\n
DAVID WALLIS, Medan, North Sumatra<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/the-lesser-of-two-evils-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }