Aceh peace figure: GAM flag as history, not for other interests
Banda Aceh (ANTARA) - Finnish peace negotiator and Aceh peace figure Juha Christensen has reminded the people of Aceh that the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) flag must be respected as history, not used for particular interests.
“Our view and the discussion at the 2005 Helsinki negotiations. We must respect the GAM flag as history, that is most important. Using the GAM flag for other interests is, in my opinion, not good,” said Juha Christensen in Banda Aceh on Saturday.
The statement was made to journalists after attending the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration with the theme “Implementation of Peaceful, Comprehensive, Sustainable and Dignified Conflict Resolution within the Framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia”, organised by the Aceh Reintegration Agency (BRA) at Balai Meuseuraya Aceh, Banda Aceh.
The affirmation was also delivered by Juha Christensen in response to the raising of the GAM flag, or the crescent and star flag, in the courtyard of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh today by a crowd, which led to unrest.
“That is not good for the atmosphere (raising the GAM flag). We must also remember that in the MoU points there is dignity for all,” he said.
He also reminded all parties to safeguard peace in Aceh by not carrying out sensitive activities.
“That means we have the central government on one side, and we have former GAM members on the other. We must ensure that we do not raise sensitive matters,” he stressed.
On the other hand, Juha also said that peace in Aceh has become an example, an extraordinary foundation that must be maintained together.
Secondly, political consolidation and unity in Aceh must be strong, because attracting investors cannot happen without trust or security for investing in Aceh. This is important for Aceh’s economic growth.
“Aceh is slightly behind when compared with other provinces. Conflicts have occurred everywhere. It always takes time for the economy to return to normal,” he said.
He added that regarding the implementation or realisation of the Helsinki MoU points that have not yet been fulfilled, they must be fully achieved as soon as possible.
“In my opinion, there are not many (that have not been realised). Perhaps there are 1, 2, 3, but certainly not all points are 100 percent. That must be achieved and maintained together so that we can reach 100 percent,” concluded Juha Christensen.