Some people see that Aceh will remain a matter of hot debate

Some people see that Aceh will remain a matter of hot debate
in Jakarta while conflict continues there. Others see that the
Indonesian government has been working all out to deal with the
Aceh problem peacefully. An integrated operation is being
prepared in anticipation if peace efforts fail. This has been
ordered by President Megawati Soekarnoputri.

The integrated approach ordered by Megawati is a humanitarian
and law enforcement operation and administrative and security
restoration operations. We simply wish to remind the government
that all these operations are aimed at the security and welfare
of the Acehnese people.

We Indonesians are all responsible for finding the best
formula to resolve Aceh's problems. We should be aware that it is
a very serious task for us.

Threats of disintegration are escalating. This proves that the
problem is indeed ours. Aceh's problems do not belong solely to
the military (TNI) or government: Therefore, we should join hands
so as not to let any party exploit them for its own interests.

We must use the same platform to deal with the dilemma whereby
we must achieve peace, security and prosperity for the people of
Aceh. This can be achieved only by using common sense. We should
not sacrifice the nation for our own interests.

-- Kompas, Jakarta