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