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