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