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