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