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