Aceh students, SIRA oppose Megawati's visit

JAKARTA (JP): Expressing their pessimism about a possible resolution to the Aceh problem, the Jakarta-based Acehnese Student and Youth Association opposed on Thursday President Megawati Soekarnoputri's visit to the strife-torn province, while the Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA) in Banda Aceh said that the visit would not make any difference.

Both the students and SIRA said in separate statements that the President's visit, scheduled for Saturday, was just a courtesy gesture that would contribute nothing to sincere efforts to end conflict in the province.

The students' written statements were signed by the association chairman Fajran Zain and secretary Hafas Furqani.

"We also urge that President Megawati be consistent in implementing all programs to resolve the conflict and stop conducting experimental actions which will only lose people's trust. Just concentrate on the existing programs, not the pseudo actions," the statement said.

SIRA spokesman Faisal Ridha said that conflict in Aceh was not related to the economy, Syariah Islam (the implementation of Islamic Law), or special autonomy.

"It's a question of oppression by one country toward another. If this core problem is not dealt with, the conflict will continue and Jakarta's enticement to provide a larger amount of money for Aceh will not be fulfilled," Faisal said.

The student and youth association also demanded that military measures be stopped and that negotiations involving all elements in Aceh be encouraged.

The statement said that, the fact that the Indonesian Military (TNI) will provide maximum security for President Megawati indicated that Aceh really was an insecure place, even for a president.

"Then how about the people (civilians) of Aceh who need proper protection from the military oppression?" it added.

Megawati will travel to Aceh on Saturday morning and return to Jakarta in the evening.

Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that the President wanted to receive accurate information about the situation in Aceh and explain the government's policy on Aceh, including the Law on Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam.

The President will also meet with community groups (selected by Governor Abdulah Puteh) and offer special advice to the Aceh governor, the TNI and police in the province.

Megawati's plan has drawn mixed responses from concerned parties.

Previously, the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) spokesman insisted that Megawati hold talks with its leader, Hasan di Tiro, in Sweden to initiate further dialogs between GAM and the government.

Tiro declared Aceh's independence in New York on Dec. 4, 1976.

An NGO activist, Maimul Fidar, said "it will be very disturbing for Aceh people if Megawati just wants to go sightseeing in Aceh during her short visit."

"She must talk with poor Aceh people living in refugee camps, and rights violations in Aceh must be settled legally. Talks with GAM are also a must," Maimul said.

Megawati had earlier apologized to the people of Aceh and Irian Jaya for rights abuses committed (mostly by the TNI) in the past.

Common people

Most people interviewed about Megawati's visit gave various responses.

Nyak Halimatussakdiah, 59, a vegetable vendor said she had never cared about politics. "I'm a stupid poor woman. I know nothing about politics. For me, getting money for daily needs is most important. It's no problem if the President visits Aceh as long as a shootout does not take place. Shootouts only make poor people like me sad -- I cannot sell the vegetables," she said.

According to 29-year-old driver Razali, Megawati has a right to visit Aceh. "But, is it the right time for Megawati to visit Aceh? I hope that the security doesn't deteriorate during her visit. What Acehnese people long for is feeling secure."

Meanwhile, 23-year-old Syah Kuala University student Rehanil Jannah said that Megawati's visit should be interpreted as a positive gesture, indicating her serious concern for Aceh.

"I'm trying to think positively. I see no problem if she visits Aceh, but I hope that the visit will not just be a courtesy call. It (the visit) must be fruitful. A short visit will not relieve Acehnese resentment, but we should see the visit positively or Acehnese people will not have greater prospects," Rehanil said. (50/sur)