Ryaas cites hurdles in solution for Aceh

JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Regional Autonomy Ryaas Rasyid said on Saturday it was difficult for the government to seek a peaceful and comprehensive solution to the conflict in Aceh if the Acehnese themselves were divided over what they wanted.

"How can the Aceh problem be solved peacefully if the violence that has claimed thousands of lives continues? It's very difficult because the Acehnese are not all of the same opinion on the conflict and on the ideal format for their future," he said here during a seminar on Aceh.

"Some want special autonomy and some want a self-determination referendum. Many are fighting for independence, while many others are demanding the international community come in. The central government is confused between which groups it wants to hold a dialog with," he said.

Ryaas stressed that the government was waiting to learn what the Acehnese wanted, adding that Jakarta was ready to hold dialogs with any groups from Aceh.

"The most important thing is that the Acehnese have the same vision on the conflict and its solution. The government is ready to hold negotiations," he said.

Ryaas urged the Acehnese to seriously study and consider the special autonomy offer, as it was not really that different from the entitlements they would possess if they were to become independent.

"The law on Aceh's special status is flexible because under the law, special autonomy can be implemented at the provincial level, Islamic syariah (law) can be fully employed and they are free to use their own administration system, except in defense, foreign policy and the monetary and court system," he said.

Touching on the question of foreign intervention, Ryaas hinted the government would likely turn down offers of mediation from outside the country.

"If the government bows to this demand, the most probable mediator would be the United States. But the question is whether that country is interested in Aceh," he said.

Historian Anhar Gonggong also urged the Acehnese to come together and present a clear and unified proposal containing what they really want.

"To me, the political elite in the province are not honest in regard to the key problem in Aceh," he said, adding that leaders in the province "should not envelop their political interests with issues which have no relation to the real problem".

Emha Ainun Najib, a Muslim intellectual, said the Acehnese should not be too militant and extreme in their demands over the sufferings caused by former president Soeharto's 32-year repressive government, as other provinces were victims of the same plight.

Numerous elderly Acehnese former government officials attending the two-day seminar demanded the government implement special autonomy and Islamic syariah law, while most students and human rights activists from Aceh seemed more inclined to advocate a self-determination referendum. (rms)