Aceh and Mindanao

Aceh and Mindanao

No event in recent years is more welcome to the Indonesian people than the signing of the peace accord between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement, or GAM.

The happy resolution of the Aceh armed conflict should inspire other countries, particularly the Philippines, which have been experiencing rebellions and civil wars, to assiduously continue their search for permanent peace.

We should look to a silver lining, like the Indonesians, by pursuing a common ground between the government and the two insurgent groups for achieving an end to these bloody conflicts which have caused countless deaths, extensive damage to the economy and a huge drain on the national budget. Like the Indonesians, we could end our internal conflicts through persistence, compromise, goodwill and a higher regard for the national good. -- The Manila Times