Different voices in Aceh

Halim Mahfudz, Jakarta

A collaborative initiative arrived at by key institutions to facilitate the building of a "new" Aceh was signed last month. Three agreements -- between the regional legislative council (DPRD), provincial administration, and two universities and the Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia -- are means to facilitate the drafting of a new law for Aceh. Another one, between the Aceh Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Agency (BRR) and the Partnership is to ensure the implementation of governance values and practices for the new administration in Aceh.

The collaboration is focused on building a new Aceh based on transparency, accountability and good governance.

The new law for Aceh, as stated in the memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Helsinki, must be enacted by March 2006 at the latest. All parties have agreed to cooperate in formulating a new law. A series of meetings in Aceh concluded that the people of Aceh need a system that sides with them, primarily with the women and the marginalized. They hope that those in power -- no matter whether they are from, the Indonesian government or the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) -- listen to their stories of ill- treatment and solve their problems.

The Acehnese long for the restoration of their devastated values and yearn for the return of law and order so they can live peacefully. Some say they dream they can go to the meunasah (small mosque) for praying with their neighbors without being searched by the TNI in the daytime, or by GAM after nightfall.

Despite enthusiasm over the prospect of a new law, problems are abundant. Time restrictions are a major challenge. But reluctance to cooperate to produce a single draft law based on the voices of different groups is the most serious enemy. Groups may tow the draft law in a different direction for their own interests. While the failure of having a single draft agreed by various groups disturbs the whole process of producing a comprehensive law. In turn, it threatens the peace process in Aceh.

It is true that as a consequence of the MOU in Helsinki, a new law is a must. However, it is not only the draft law that is essential, but the process that counts. The key question is how the process can accommodate the existing groups with various interests in Aceh. Also, how does the process double as a forum for dialog and political communications?

This is a serious challenge for all parties. For the government, the question is, is it ready to design an effective communications strategy that embraces all groups as partners?. How will the government accommodate different interests, particularly the voices of women and the marginalized.

For GAM, this is the time to go back home to their friends and neighbors. The opportunities are there to have more mutual understanding with the people of Aceh in general and with civil society. Furthermore, this is the time to encourage more dialog with local institutions as well as national authorities. It is time to build a new Aceh.

Two elements are crucial for all parties; communications, including negotiation, and political good will. It is essential for the government to work toward a highly developed communications strategy and be committed to it. Many communications strategies have been one-way communications.

In addition to an efficient communications strategy, the political good will should be based on strong and sincere commitment to the people of Aceh.

An extraordinary approach is required. The key is how to encourage the people in Aceh, whoever they are, whatever their political aspirations, to speak up. Then, the different voices can be synchronized into one comprehensive draft law.

The writer is senior communications and knowledge manager at the Partnership for Governance Reform in Indonesia.