GAM members may join TNI

GAM members may join TNI

From Pelita

President Abdurrahman Wahid has made signals to the effect that the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members are allowed to join the Indonesian Military (TNI) provided they pass a test. This is very interesting because up to this moment the conflict between GAM on one side and the Indonesian government on the other still prevails, and the conflict has claimed a lot of victims on both sides.

The President's statement shows his seriousness in his effort to realize a reconciliation with GAM in order to immediately restore security in Aceh.

To become a member of the republic's military is every citizen's right, although a strict selection process should be necessary. And all members of the military should be indisputably loyal to the country. This is particularly true for those who come from GAM as they must no longer aspire to establish a free country within the republic of Indonesia.

ENDANG HARTATI

Banyumas, Central Java