Salvaging peace from tsunami-ravaged Aceh

Salvaging peace from tsunami-ravaged 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.