Aceh: A referendum for what?

Aceh: A referendum for what?

From Rakyat Merdeka

President Abdurrahman Wahid and his Cabinet are facing many problems toward the realization of the ideals of a New Indonesia.

While the economic sector shows signs of recovery, on the political side the state is threatened by disintegration. Learning from the loss of East Timor, the government really needs to be wise and seriously pay attention to the demands of other provinces in Indonesia.

In the case of Aceh, the public must be informed about the meaning of a referendum, the claims of the community and the option offered by the central government. If everything is clear, the ensuing process of dialog and negotiation can be done by placing the interest of each side in proportion to the claims.

It is important for the community to really know what the demands are of the Acehnese, in order that they are free from fear and insecurity. Is legal and economic justice in their region the pure hope they wish to realize? Or is there the influence of another party, in this case the Free Aceh Movement that also has its own motives in the upheaval so far.

Is a referendum actually the realization of the aspirations of the majority of the Acehnese people? Or is it a claim for a free Aceh independent from the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia? If the new government has not had the chance to alleviate the disappointment resulting from the policy of the former regime, the steps to be taken to safeguard the unitary state of the Republic of Indonesia must be done through an approach that sides with the people's aspirations.

If that is no longer possible, the offer of extended autonomy should not be taboo. Regional potential will be in its own interest through reducing dependence on the central government and creating balance in socioeconomic aspects, as well as justice and law.

ARIEF RIZALDI

Jakarta