Acehnese refugees place hope in peace talks
Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Medan
Acehnese displaced by the tsunami are closely watching the progress of a new round of peace talks between the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in Finland.
Most of the displaced Acehnese living in shelter in Medan believe the separatists want only one thing: to separate from Indonesia.
"I will stay here forever if Aceh separates from the country," said 28-year-old Wanda, who fled her home in Aceh Jaya regency in the wake of the Dec. 26 tsunami and is now living in a shelter managed by the Aceh Sepakat Association.
She fears what would happen if the province was given its independence, painting a picture of endless conflict as different Acehnese groups fought for power.
Wanda said Acehnese were often used as human shields by GAM rebels, but she also accused the Indonesian Military (TNI) of inflicting violence on the people of Aceh.
"We wish TNI and GAM would work together and protect the people because we have suffered enough," said Wanda, who has been in Medan since Jan. 7.
President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said earlier the Indonesian government would discuss "special autonomy and related topics" in Aceh, where 12,000 people have been killed in three decades of fighting.
The autonomy deal on offer reportedly includes concessions toward self-rule and Islamic law in the devout Muslim province, and a larger slice of the revenue earned by the province's natural resources.
A displaced person from Banda Aceh, Minandar, 56, is hopeful that this new round of talks in Finland will result in peace.
He said he was tired of hearing on an almost daily basis gunfights between the military or the police and rebels.
"This is a normal occurrence for us in Banda Aceh. At first we were terrified, but not anymore," said Minandar, who is still suffering breathing problems as a result of being caught up in the tsunami.
However, he said he would return to Aceh as soon as his health allowed him, insisting he was not frightened by the violence.
"Aceh is my home. No matter what the situation, I must go home to Aceh. I would be sad if Aceh was forever battered by conflict. I hope it will end soon," said Minandar.
Another displaced person from Banda Aceh, Firus, also expressed hope the conflict in Aceh would end soon. He said GAM should consider the government's offer of special autonomy, and that the government should in turn commit itself to honoring its pledges to Aceh.
"Aceh must rise (from the destruction and conflict). We need peace. Without peace it will be impossible for Aceh to recover and stand on its feet again," he said.