Aceh's contribution

Aceh's contribution

From Sinar Pagi

What should we do in the context of the sufferings of the Acehnese nowadays? Should we close our eyes to the incidents of killings of the Acehnese and refugees? Or is there no solution in sight for our countrymen in that part of Indonesia? Or are they to be a mere political commodity, with a promise that "I will do something if I hold power in the future". These are the questions that have come to mind in the context of the nation's 54th Independence Day celebration.

When we study history, the patriotism of the Acehnese people is clearly depicted in how they struggled against the Dutch colonialists in order to maintain Indonesian sovereignty. I read in a history book that then president Sukarno greatly admired the stoutness of the Acehnese and therefore called Aceh a "Capital Region" for the Indonesian national struggle when almost all Indonesian territory was recolonized by the Dutch.

It is also written in history that on Aug. 27, 1945, Teuku Hamid Azwar Syamaun Gaharu and other ex-Giyugun officers in Kutaraja (now Banda Aceh) established the Indonesian Youth Forum (API). This organization became the embryo of the Indonesian armed forces that was later called People's Security Force (TKR), which then became the Indonesian Republic Army (TRI) and finally renamed the Indonesian Military (TNI).

The question now is: Why don't the political elite look at history, in which it is clearly reflected what contribution Aceh made to the Indonesian independence struggle. Let us meditate on history. Then consider whether we have done justice to Aceh. Let those who are in power decide what is best for the Acehnese people.

KAMALUDDIN PANE

Banyumas, Central Java