GAM's useless armed struggle

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