On GAM

On GAM

I would like to refer to the article by Kanis Dursin titled
Rebels have no address to be obliterated on Dec. 26. The story
regarding the integrated operation in Aceh Province was mostly
untrue and biased.

First: It was the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) that postponed and
canceled the meeting for the peaceful settlement to the Aceh
conflict. Second: GAM (as terrorists always do) lied that they
had agreed to full autonomy as the basis for peaceful
negotiations in order to gain time to consolidate their military
strength against the military. Third: Aceh has been enjoying full
autonomy and GAM has failed to disrupt the progress being
achieved. Fourth: The Acehnese people are happy with the results
of the operation. Much progress have been achieved in all aspects
of their daily lives. Fifth: The extension of the operation is in
line with the demands of the Acehnese. It is not the wish of the
government and the military per se.

Dursin's article was biased because first: He talked only of
the negative aspects of the operation and exaggerated these
aspects. What is his real aim? Only he himself knows it. Second:
He didn't mention at all the positive achievements of the
operation that have been enjoyed by the people and which have led
to normal life being restored in almost all parts of Aceh. Third:
Comparing the devastation of Iraq by the U.S. military invasion
to the integrated operation in Aceh is naive and outrageous. The
former is aggression and illegal whereas the latter is preserving
the integrity of a nation. Fourth: The operation is not a failure
as Dursin said. I belief that with the help of the entire Aceh
people and with God's grace, total peace will be achieved.

MUHD. RAMZY HASIBUAN

Jakarta