Military action for Aceh

High hopes are pinned on the planned visit of President Megawati to Aceh, a province that has experienced political problems since the proclamation of Aceh's independence by a small group of separatists in 1976. But the postponement and announcement of the duration of the visit has dampened the optimistic spirit linked with the planned visit.

Many people are of the opinion that ceremonial visits and formal meetings are out of date because it is now time to settle this very difficult and sensitive problem, once and for all.

The government knows that there is no need to talk with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels because they have expressed their reluctance for dialogue, knowing that they are in a strong position and the government's threats are no more than talk, unaccompanied by tough action. They have even announced that GAM declared open war in April 2001 and have challenged the Indonesian Military (TNI).

The government should make a clear target of operation, one target is the GAM, which must be crushed by military troops, as has been proposed by the Commander of Army Strategic Command, Ryacudu. This should be unnegotiable. The other target should be the welfare and well-being of civilians who are suffering. They should be able to return to a normal, peaceful and happy life. A big stumbling block in this effort is the existence of GAM, which are now becoming more self-confident, bolder and more brutal.

Perhaps military action should now be used as it has already been approved by the House of Representatives, the Supreme Advisory Council, the Governor of Aceh and a number of objective politicians.

SOEGIH ARTO

Jakarta