Heading towards peace in Aceh

Heading towards peace in Aceh

From Koran Tempo

Feb. 9, 2003, was the day the Indonesian government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) anticipated to enter the demilitarization stage. This is all in compliance with the cessation of hostilities agreement signed on Dec. 9, 2002, in Geneva, Switzerland.

The stage of demilitarization -- along with the repositioning of Indonesian military forces, reformulating the tasks and functions of the police mobile brigade unit, and GAM's disarmament, as well as establishing peace zones -- precedes the confidence-building period.

GAM's demands are yet to be decided upon by the Joint Security Committee (JSC). JSC...and the Henry Dunant Centre, which has been fair in mediating the peace deal, have performed well, so that the demilitarization can be expected to proceed smoothly.

During this stage, the two sides are expected to be wise in discussing the demilitarization process, so that a peaceful environment can be established immediately. This must allow no room for violence, because the Acehnese long for peace in their homeland.

Since the signing of the peace deal between the Indonesian government and GAM, the people in Aceh have felt safer and more comfortable despite minor violations of the agreement.

Therefore, the two sides must honor the agreement so the people can enjoy a situation conducive to peace in the province. All sides must pay serious attention to the peace effort and trust the JSC, which will take firm action against any violators.

All must hope and pray that the Acehnese people can lead normal lives in the unitary state of Indonesia.

Let's hope that every inch of Aceh can be developed into a zone of peace without violence.

KRISDIYASYAH, Depok, West Java