GAM's useless armed struggle

Various mass media in the capital have recently carried large pictures of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) personnel, including women and children, touting their guns as if ready for battle against the Indonesian Military (TNI).

On the occasion of GAM's 23rd anniversary in Jeunib, North Aceh, on Dec. 4, Acehnese women in white veils and battle fatigues seemed ready to fight for Aceh's independence. These Acehnese women, known as the "Troops of Inong Balle" (widows of men killed during the military operation period in Aceh), appeared proud to don the fatigues.

These women would generally not know for sure whether what they were fighting for was in violation of prevailing laws. Most of them have been made mere shields or instruments for GAM's struggle against TNI/National Police personnel to realize their ambition for independence, or the establishment of the Islamic State of Nusantara (=Indonesia).

When I saw the pictures of the women, I was overwhelmed by pity and great concern -- not pride and admiration: the feeling that we usually have when witnessing our women wearing uniforms of the Army women's corps, the Navy women's corps, the Air Force women's corps and the policewomen corps.

Why? Well, if these women were to fight enemies from abroad, maybe they would be useful to the state and the nation. However, if they are supposed to fight against TNI/National Police troops, their struggle will be useless. Considering their professionalism, and the number of personnel and equipment at their disposal, it is highly unlikely that GAM will defeat the TNI/National Police. Therefore, do not render useless the struggle waged by innocent people! In any country, an armed separatist movement like GAM is certain to be crushed.

GAM could be categorized as rebels of the state. Therefore, do not blame the TNI/National Police if they resort to a repressive approach. That some on the side of GAM will be shot is part of the risk that rebels must take. Members of a peace-loving community will not wish to see this happen, particularly something that will claim innocent people as victims.

Therefore, it is now time for GAM to realize their mistake and lay down their weapons. Only in this way can normality return to Aceh so that the community can again live in peace.

ALFIANSYAH

Jakarta