Peace agreement to end hostilities in Aceh signed
Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government took a step forward for peace in Aceh after they signed a cessation of hostilities agreement which could end the decades long secessionist conflict.
The nine-article agreement was signed by Jakarta chief negotiator Wiryono Sastrohandoyo and GAM negotiator Zaini Abdullah at the Swiss headquarters of the Henri Dunant Centre (HDC) for Humanitarian Dialog on Monday.
"With the signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement, a victory has already been achieved," Wiryono said as quoted by AFP.
It is indeed seen as a victory for both sides as the preamble of the agreement emphasized the acceptance by Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam of the special autonomy law as a starting point of further process towards an all-inclusive dialog among Acehnese figures leading to a free and fair election in 2004 throughout the province with Acehnese parties which will not need a national constituency.
Many Acehnese immediately welcomed the agreement and hoped for a serious commitments from both sides to abide by the deal.
The peace accord, a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta Post, stipulates that: "Both sides agree that hostilities and all acts of violence by both sides should cease forever in Aceh."
"Since both sides have thus agreed that from now on, enmity between them should be considered as a thing of the past," the deal stated.
The deal had been in the works for the better part of two years and has seen ups and downs due to the reluctance from both sides to negotiate.
The Indonesian government, used stern measures from the military against GAM, and repeatedly asked for the continuation of the peace dialog, which was started in 2000.
During a special meeting in Tokyo, attended by representatives of 23 countries, on Dec. 3 for reconstruction of post-war Aceh international pressure was increased for a peace agreement to be reached.
To ensure both sides's commitment, a joint security committee with representatives from both sides, in addition to a third external party will be set up as soon as possible.
The deal provides for a two-month grace period for both sides to observe each other's commitments to peace, by not increasing military strength and by relocating troops to defensive positions.
The Joint Security Commission, established in 2000 for the humanitarian pause agreement, will be reactivated to supervise peace during the grace period.
Also during the grace period, Jakarta agreed that the police mobile brigade will not conduct any offensive attacks against the separatist movement.
After the two-months time, GAM will designate placement sites for its weapons and the placement will be completed within a period of five months.
Wiryono said that the key of the weapons sites will be in the hands of GAM and HDC to prove the government's good intention to trust the separatist movement.
"The Indonesian Military (TNI) is ready to support the peace arrangement," SCTV TV station quoted Wiryono as saying after the signing ceremony.
Both parties also agreed to determine "Peace zones" around the province in the coming two-months.
One of the key points in the preamble is the preparation of the All-Inclusive Dialog, to discuss NAD law (or special Autonomy Law) with all elements of Acehnese society leading to the election of a democratic government.
POINTS OF CESSATION OF HOSTILITIES AGREEMENT ------------------------------------------------------------------
NAD law as a starting point for an Acehnese All-Inclusive dialog towards a democratic election in Aceh.
The election is scheduled for 2004, with the review of NAD law followed to accommodate people's aspiration.
All acts of violence ceased in Aceh forever.
Activation of Joint Security committee to observe two-months
grace period to ensure peace commitments of both parties.
During the grace period troops from both sides, especially the
Indonesian police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) must relocate to defensive positions.
No additional troops allowed in the two-months period and non- organic troops could eventually be withdrawn.
GAM will place its weapons in designated sites after the grace
period.
Peace zones will be determine within two-months
HDC will facilitated the all-inclusive dialog
Joint council, consist of GAM, Jakarta and HDC, will be set to
resolve all issue or dispute arising from the implementation
of agreement.
Law and order "may be entrusted" to third party.
Could lead to compensation and investigation of human rights abuses since 1976.
Demilitarized areas including public places, schools and roads.