Aceh exit strategy and post-conflict peace building

Teuku Faizasyah, Ph.D. Candidate, Diplomatic History and Conflict Resolution, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand

The integrated operation to restore order in Aceh is approaching six months and the central government appears resolute about accomplishing its end objective of cleansing Aceh of the rebellious Free Aceh Movement (GAM) -- both the armed wing and the sympathizers. Some Acehnese have reportedly asked for an extension of the presence of the Indonesian Military (TNI) including the military campaign.

As the time frame of the operations remains unclear (The TNI has suggested that the martial law status is still needed to secure next year's planned general elections) the question is whether the government has really considered an exit strategy in terms of the military operations, and at the same time, a strategy for peace building in post-conflict Aceh.

Serious consideration of an exit strategy and a strategy on peace building would mean the realization that the military option is no longer necessary nor is it tenable.

This realization could also stem from optimism that the military has accomplished its objective. Alternatively, there may simply be growing awareness that to continue with the military operation is very costly, destructive and unpopular.

Therefore, an exit strategy requires a clear indication -- especially on the part of the government who launched the "integrated operation" -- on when they plan to scale down the military campaign and to end it at some point. A timeframe is essential and could function as a means of assessing the efficacy of the integrated operation.

Equally important, the government needs to make clear their plan for the post-conflict era. Peace building in the post conflict situation should deal with security-related issues comprehensively. It is not simply about how to establish peace and security in physical terms, but it is also about how to create a sense of peace for the Acehnese people.

The success of the government to "demilitarize the minds" of the local Acehnese would guarantee more predictability in the area. "Demilitarizing the minds" refers to a condition wherein the locals would reject armed rebellion and separatism as a solution to, or remedy for, their long years of frustration. Hence, the key phrase should be "winning their hearts and minds".

This requires a well-planned program. And in this case, the target audience needs to be both non-GAM and GAM. Ideally, embracing GAM and their sympathizers should not be regarded as a betrayal of the goal of securing the unity of the republic. It should be seen as wisdom on the part of the government and their willingness to give the rebels a second chance to return to the fold of the republic.

It is thus important that the government not overtly emphasize the success of the military operation. In fact, it is politically incorrect to emphasize the success of the military battles merely based on the number of rebels killed. Such emphasis would only generate sadness among the Acehnese witnessing the number of body bags among their own people.

At present, the number of rebels killed is approaching 1,000, according to official figures. Assuming that each rebel has three close relatives, then there would be at least 3,000 Acehnese who have had to come to terms with a close relative's violent death. Bereavement will take time to subside and could easily lead to frustration and animosity. Therefore, the government and the society at large have an urgent task of consoling the bereaved.

We also need to give extra attention to the orphans -- the first victims of any war. Perhaps, we need to encourage foster parenting programs or adoption at the national level. By giving Aceh's future generation an opportunity to live outside the trouble province, our best hope is that they would grow up in a more secure environment.

Growing up away from the accumulated hatred in Aceh could help those youngsters deal more easily with the trauma of the war and losing their mothers and fathers.

Considering how to embrace and care for the victims of the war in Aceh is the responsibility of all Indonesians. The government should be able to initiate a nation-wide effort for peace building in Aceh and set in motion such a process by making clear the timeframe for the military operation.