GAM should surrender

GAM should surrender

From Koran Tempo

Some people have been voicing their disagreement to the
integrated operation now being carried out in Aceh. They argue
they are fighting for the well-being of the Acehnese and that the
Free Aceh Movement (GAM) has grown because of unjust treatment,
poverty and repression that the Acehnese suffered as a result of
the province of Aceh being ruled under the terms of a military
operation.

These people seem to forget that the government is trying to
save the Acehnese, who have been gripped by fear and worry as a
result of extortion, kidnapping, murder and other acts of terror
perpetrated by GAM.

These people have never made any statement blaming GAM for all
these acts of terrorism or labeled them traitors even though they
know full well that for GAM, secession from the Unitary State of
the Republic of Indonesia is a goal that cannot be compromised.

Obviously, no negotiations will ever bring any solution to the
question of Aceh, as has been demonstrated by the Humanitarian
Pause, the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and even the Tokyo
meeting.

War has now been declared in Aceh. To prevent this armed clash
from claiming more lives, all parties, including politicians and
human rights advocates, should get GAM to surrender, lay down its
arms and return to the control of the Unitary State of the
Republic of Indonesia.

The government has decided to extend an amnesty to GAM members
that surrender to the terms of the Republic of Indonesia. GAM
should consider this option so that it can help bring peace to
the Acehnese.

RAHMA NURJANNAH

Jakarta