Aceh at the peace table

Aceh at the peace table

Indonesian and GAM negotiators last night returned for the
second round of tentative new peace talks in Finland. There is
evidence the informal ceasefire is already failing on the ground,
threatening the safety of reconstruction teams. But only new
political momentum at the peace table can address the local
tensions which continue to feed the ranks of the guerrillas.

Ostensibly, GAM is fighting for independence. But popular
resentment towards Jakarta is stoked by resource-stripping and
endemic corruption. Indonesia has no intention of allowing Aceh
to follow East Timor to independence.

There are, however, very many steps in between. For a start,
the tsunami relief operation is a clear opportunity for Jakarta
to engender goodwill.

Whatever the veracity of the latest terrorist threats against
foreign aid workers, there is little sympathy, or sanctuary, in
Aceh for Jemaah Islamiah and its violent anti-Western agenda. GAM
went to Finland armed with an important new compromise - it is
willing to put aside the independence question, for now. This
means a formal ceasefire may be within reach. And that is the
first, essential step towards peace.

-- The Sydney Morning Herald