Problem lies with Jakarta

Problem lies with Jakarta

It is quite interesting to observe the phenomenon that came to
the surface following the Acehnese demand for a referendum. As
usual, if there is a problem, Jakarta only comments on it and
talks too much without finding any solution. No wonder the
Acehnese have lost confidence in Jakarta. They think that there
is no use waiting for a solution from the government.

As an Acehnese myself, I do not want to be separated from
Indonesia, because I love this country, as many other Acehnese
do. It is absolutely wrong for President Abdurrahman Wahid to ask
the Acehnese to solve the problem internally. The Acehnese have
no problem. The problem lies with Jakarta.

Let me give some examples to demonstrate this. I was born in
Aceh and grew up there. But I had to leave my hometown and come
to Jakarta to find a job. In Aceh there are many big companies
such as PT Arun LNG, Mobil Oil, PT Asean Fertilizer, PT Pupuk
Iskandar Muda (PIM), PT Kraft, etc. Yet I failed to find
employment in Aceh.

Have the Acehnese benefited from those companies? Do they live
in prosperity? No, they live in poverty. I call this the "Jakarta
problem". Most assets and resources are taken by Jakarta. The
Indonesian Military (TNI) was involved in protecting these assets
and resources, which has made the situation worse. That's why the
Acehnese are angry with Jakarta. If a referendum for freedom was
to be conducted, I am sure Aceh would choose to be free. But, as
an Acehnese, I do not want it to happen. It is not the best
solution for the Aceh issue. Jakarta should listen to the
Acehnese if the nation's integrity is to be maintained.

MUHAMMAD RUSDI

Jakarta