GAM's 'support' for Aceh

GAM's 'support' for Aceh

From Suara Karya

The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) aims to break away from Indonesia
through political means and armed rebellion, claiming to struggle
for the aspirations and welfare of the Acehnese people.

Meanwhile, GAM, in the name of its struggle, commits such
crimes as intimidation, hostage-taking, terrorism, robbery and
arson, mainly targeting the local people.

So, which group of Acehnese does GAM fight for?

Based on information from the Acehnese and other knowledgeable
figures visiting the province, I have come to realize that GAM's
political struggle is not purely for the Acehnese, and was partly
caused by individual dissatisfaction that has been fanned into
collective discontent.

Armed GAM members split into three distinct groups. The first
comprises those seeking revenge for relatives who were killed
during the military operation. The second consists of those
disappointed by the central government's Acehnese policy, and
number very few.

The third consists of hoodlums and recidivists from regions
outside Aceh eluding the law. They evade prosecution by joining
GAM and form the major part of the separatist group. Their
arrogance and brutality considerably disturbs the Acehnese.

It is thus not surprising that, amid public concern over the
disaster that befell the province and its people, GAM continues
to rob people of their food rations as the nation's soldiers and
volunteers distribute aid and help disaster victims.

Following the calamity, have we heard any word of concern from
GAM leaders regarding the suffering of the Acehnese people for
whom they claim to be fighting? They have never made a statement
to this effect, nor have they provided any material contribution.

ALMOSI DRESTO
Jakarta