Aceh solution

Aceh solution

Efforts to solve the Aceh problem in a peaceful manner is like the impossible dream. Every time it seems likely that a peace deal will be reached, some new obstacle emerges.

The biggest turning point was the abandonment of the military operation zone policy (in 1998), but no significant steps have been taken since. What happened later was an increased demand for freedom in line with then president Abdurrahman Wahid's support.

Another turning point was when Megawati Soekarnoputri replaced Abdurrahman. Megawati visited Aceh and shed tears when speaking to the people of Aceh. But the tears were obviously not enough to evoke a spirit of peace in Aceh.

Efforts to prevent Aceh from seceding (from the unitary state of Indonesia) have been made, but, operationally, there has been no clear format to support all the efforts.

The only way to respond to the aggressiveness of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is to fight them. Unfortunately, the military needs a political decision (from the government) to crush GAM.

Now there are two more turning points: The holy month of Ramadhan and the siege of GAM's stronghold in Cot Trieng village, North Aceh, both of which are golden opportunities to solve the problem. It is clear that the solution is in the hands of the government of Indonesia, while the Henry Dunant Center is just moderating between the government and GAM.

-- Media Indonesia, -- Jakarta