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