Salvaging peace from the tsunami in Aceh

Desra Percaya New York

To the dismay of many, armed clashes between Indonesian security forces and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) reportedly continue in the tsunami-ravaged province, which can endanger the humanitarian work conducted by local and foreign volunteers and also foreign military personnel there.

In order to address this situation, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono invited six foreign ambassadors on Jan. 10, including the ambassadors of Japan and Libya, asking them to help pressure the leaders of GAM living overseas not to interfere in the humanitarian relief efforts in Aceh.

President Susilo also assured the ambassadors that the Indonesian government still wants to find a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict in Aceh. Indeed, this issue should also be seen in the broader context of exploring the possibility of an avenue to bring peace back to Aceh after the huge natural disaster, a prospect for which the international community is expected to contribute.

Thousands of Acehnese people have lost their lives as the victims of the unending conflict caused by the erroneous policies of previous governments and the activities of GAM. The roots of conflict in Aceh include an imbalance in development, political injustice, ignorance of local values, and the political marginalization of the people. To these must be added the repressive policies of past governments.

These problems were exploited politically by some Acehnese - particularly members of GAM -- to demand independence or separation from the unitary state of Indonesia -- a demand that was, and is accompanied by force and terror.

It is regrettable, in this regard, that not only were local grievances not properly addressed, previous governments mostly responded with force as well. Thus, efforts toward a peaceful solution or dialog were sidelined.

It may be recalled that, four years ago, President Abdurrahman Wahid embarked on an unprecedented move to conduct dialog with GAM. The process led to the signing of the Humanitarian Pause in May 2000, which filled the majority of Acehnese with high hopes that peace would soon return to the province. Peace however is still very distant.

Subsequently, the signing of the agreement to end the hostilities between the Government of Indonesia and GAM took place in Geneva in December 2002. As a consequence of their earlier disappointment, however, the people had a lukewarm attitude toward the landmark Geneva accord, and the conflict has continued.

It is worth observing that much of the failure of the agreements with GAM is attributable to its inability to deliver on its many promises. It is understandable that as a loose separatist movement whose leaders live in Stockholm, they lack a strong grip and solid influence on followers in the field, especially the armed elements. This is the inherent problem that has often prevented GAM's implementation of any previous agreements in the province.

All that aside, the tsunami disaster has created a new crisis for the area and its people. Given that it is a general wisdom that every crisis also offers opportunity, could this reignite dialog toward a peaceful solution to the conflict?

Toward that end, this is an opportunity for the Indonesian government to win back the hearts and minds of the Acehnese. Despite security limitations and the civil emergency in the province, the government has demonstrated goodwill and taken significant steps in this direction, particularly in the unprecedented decision to facilitate and permit foreigners -- including military personnel, United Nations relief workers, international non-governmental organizations and individuals -- to enter Aceh.

That being said, the current situation in Aceh similarly provides a valuable chance for the leadership of GAM, including those who are living in Stockholm to show their true face, if it is the face of healing and peace.

It is surprising to note that there has been no word from Stockholm concerning the calamity and recent developments in the province. If the GAM leadership is really concerned about Aceh, as they have always claimed, there is no better opportunity than the present, in the context of the humanitarian challenge, to work hand-in-hand with the government. In the interests of the Acehnese, GAM should do the right thing and declare its readiness to revive dialog within the unitary and democratic state of Indonesia.

The government has made it clear that a demand for independence is out of the question. This is not a unique position, as every other legitimate country in the world would object to any threat of separatism by armed insurgents. In this regard, the realistic option for GAM is to abandon its armed struggle and transform itself into a political party.

Against this background, the current calamity in Aceh offers fresh hope for resuming dialog. This is an opportunity that should not be thrown away. Both the government and GAM must explore practical modalities for a peaceful solution to the conflict, an exercise that should involve all stakeholders of peace in Aceh, namely all elements of the Acehnese society.

President Susilo, who has, from the very beginning, been involved in the search for a peaceful settlement to the conflict, is fully aware of the complexity of the problems, and he personally knows the difficulties in dealing with the leadership of GAM.

GAM should exert its influence on its armed groups in the field not to halt any distribution of humanitarian aid, which would only prolong the suffering of the Acehnese people. Pressure from the international community is definitely needed in this regard.

The writer works at the Indonesian Mission to the United Nations, New York. The views expressed are his own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Government of Indonesia.