'Rent-a-crowd' rallies in Aceh must stop
'Rent-a-crowd' rallies in Aceh must stop
Maimun, Journalist , 'Beudoh' Tabloid, Banda Aceh
The "integrated operation" in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam is
gaining wide support, if we are to believe the recent rallies in
several parts of the province, in which participants demanded
that the military operation be extended.
Unlike other rallies demanding peace or an end to the
violence, the demonstrations at legislative buildings proceeded
smoothly, with no arrests or shootings. At other rallies there
would at least be some commotion.
The spontaneous-looking rallies raised the question of whether
they were indeed genuine, given that residents here often have no
choice when their lives are at stake.
The rally at the city council of Langsa, East Aceh, on Sept.
16 was one example. "In Seulalah, security personnel approached
people, asking locals to gather on Tuesday for a protest at the
city council. They wanted at least 100 people, who would each
receive Rp 20,000," a young man was quoted as saying in
acehkita.com about the rally.
In Bireun, a source said residents dared not oppose the
security forces and were not even paid to take part in a rally.
"A wrong answer could mean being hit," the source said.
It is difficult to believe that there are residents who truly
want an extension of the operation, given that they have long
wished for a peaceful end to the Aceh problem.
The mobilization of people, more so coercion, must stop. The
people need to be empowered in terms of political awareness, not
deceived and intimidated.
Loyalty to the state is not a top-down process. Sadly, it has
become increasingly apparent that maintaining state sovereignty
is more important than the people.
"Public participation" is limited to elections, yet people
still face incrimination when it comes to the real need for
forums to address their interests.
Treason, rebellion, subversion, anarchy and brutality are
among the government's oft-quoted terms.
Mobilization is preferred to uphold the interests of those in
power. With or without the military operation, poverty is being
used for the political ends of a few.