Toward a lasting peace in the rebellions Aceh<\/p>\n
Desra Percaya, New York<\/p>\n
Following seven months of talks mediated by former Finnish
\nPresident Martti Ahtisaari, a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
\nwas signed in Helsinki on Aug. 15 between the Government of
\nIndonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Few other troubled
\nareas of the world could have witnessed more joy than the towns
\nand cities of Aceh, where people have longed for the return of
\npeace and normalcy for too long. The signing of the agreement
\npoints the way to a solution to the province's 30 years of
\nconflict.<\/p>\n
The MoU has brought both opportunities and challenges. It is a
\nsignificant step toward peace that has no comparison in modern
\nIndonesia. To begin with, this accord is the first time that the
\nIndonesian government has ever concluded a peace accord with a
\nseparatist movement. It is also significant that, as a sign of
\ngood faith and seriousness, the government also agreed to an
\ninternational monitoring mission in Aceh, and to allow GAM to
\nestablish a local political party in the province.<\/p>\n
Learning from the failure of previous peace deals in Aceh, it
\nmay be said that while the negotiation of an agreement is a
\ndelicate process, the implementation of the agreement is far more
\nchallenging. The devil is in the details of the agreement, and
\nboth parties need to embark on serious follow-up. What is
\ncertain, for now, is that a solid foundation has been laid for
\nthe construction of peace in Aceh. Success -- that is, peace --
\ndepends now on how well the two sides work together in compliance
\nwith the provisions of the deal, particularly in cases where it
\nis violated.<\/p>\n
It is worth observing that the road towards this agreement has
\nbeen quite bumpy. There were, for example, the proponents of the
\nmilitaristic approach in Jakarta, who failed to take account of
\nthe long-term benefits of achieving peace through dialog. In the
\nend, however, they all ended up supporting the search for peace
\nin Aceh.<\/p>\n
Indeed, the agreement serves the paramount interest of the
\nstate, namely, maintaining the territorial integrity of the
\nRepublic. As a result, it will also send out a message to the
\nnation that a demand for independence will not necessarily lead
\nto the creation of a new state. The government will, therefore,
\nbe better able to channel its energies into development and the
\nunfinished reform agenda of democratization.<\/p>\n
Certainly, the readiness of the government to accept
\ninternational monitors from three ASEAN countries and European
\nUnion is an unprecedented phenomenon. Although some nationalists
\nhave gripes about the overall deal, this brave decision by the
\ngovernment should be praised and regarded as evidence of its
\ndetermination and genuine commitment to a peaceful settlement in
\nAceh, and the maturity of democracy in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
For GAM, it is understandable that as a loose separatist
\nmovement whose leaders live in Stockholm, the movement lacks a
\nstrong grip and solid influence over its followers in the field,
\nespecially the armed elements. The fact that its leadership was
\nout of touch with reality in the field was a key factor in the
\ngroup's failure to successfully implement previous agreements.<\/p>\n
It is therefore the responsibility of the leaders of the group
\nto show greater commitment and involvement, and convince their
\nfollowers in the field to fully implement the accord. Of
\nparticular interest here is the need for the leadership to ensure
\nthat the hard-liners do not stray from the terms of the accord.<\/p>\n
While recognizing the importance of the agreement, one should
\nnot lose sight of the fact that the transformation of GAM from an
\narmed separatist group into a political party will take some
\ntime. This will be one of the biggest challenges for GAM's
\nleadership, which claims to be the sole representative of the
\nAcehnese and also maintains that it has their full support.<\/p>\n
In the end, both parties to the agreement should accept the
\nchallenge of the accord and commit to its sincere implementation.
\nIn view of the fact that both leaderships speak on behalf of the
\npeople, it is time to put the betterment of the lives of the
\nAcehnese at the very core of the issue.<\/p>\n
The return of peace to Aceh would certainly contribute to the
\nrecovery and rebuilding of the province after last year's
\nearthquake and tsunami disaster. The Acehnese need a long and
\nuninterrupted peace to forge their future.<\/p>\n
In this regard, and with a view to offering the necessary
\nassurances to both sides and the people of Aceh, a meeting
\nbetween President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and GAM leader Hasan
\ndi Tiro would certainly boost confidence about the attainment of
\nlasting peace in the province.<\/p>\n
Today, the path towards a lasting peace in Aceh has been
\nclearly marked out.<\/p>\n
The writer works with the Indonesian Mission to the United
\nNations, New York. The views expressed are his own and do not
\nnecessarily reflect the position of the Government of Indonesia.
\nHe can be reached at desrapercaya@hotmail.com.<\/p>",
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