An independent Aceh?

An independent Aceh?

The conduct of our military during the time that Aceh was a Military Operations Territory inflicted on the people of the province wounds so deep they are difficult to heal. For that reason, any friction with the military, however small, is enough to make the people's aggressive emotions flare.

In any case, we cannot allow Aceh to remain an inferno. The religious people of Aceh, who have proved themselves to be true republicans (patriots) since this nation was born, deserve to be given an honorable place among us...

It appears, however, that Aceh's firm commitment to the nation is not properly appreciated by those who hold the power of state in their hands. The state appears totally indifferent to the fact that with its abundant natural resources, Aceh contributed much of the wealth that helped bring this nation together.

To judge by what the government has been doing in Aceh, we get the impression that from the very start it has never been serious in tackling the problem in Aceh. Could this be because Aceh does not have the same international impact as East Timor?

Whatever the reason, the use of military force in Aceh is evidence of the government's intent to force the concept of national uniformity in a form which is both unbending and lacking in judgment. As a consequence, it has failed to keep Aceh in the fold of what is understood to be the Indonesian nation.

We have no other choice: If we are bent on preserving our national territory as it is defined in our Constitution, our military will have to try to sincerely understand that the use of force will only nourish the hatred which is passed from generation to generation. Force cannot unite, it can only divide.

Aceh provides a test of how this country will manage its national territory. If we fail this test, catastrophe will be in store for this country. We are now witnessing Aceh's wish to secede. This is a most serious test that will affect this nation's unity and cohesion.

This newspaper wishes to sound the warning that unless more drastic measures are taken forthwith to keep Aceh within this country's fold, we had better be ready to witness Aceh become a separate, foreign, country.

-- Media Indonesia, Jakarta