Ryaas cites hurdles in solution for Aceh

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)