Different voices in Aceh
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.