TNI and police still needed in Aceh

In the May 14 edition of The Jakarta Post, critics asked why the government failed to withdraw troops from Aceh after lifting the state of civil emergency in the province. The most convincing answer to the critics was given by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels themselves, by attacking the government recently, wounding two members of the Indonesian Military (TNI), and leaving two GAM members dead.

When the government lifted the civil emergency in Aceh, GAM saw an opportunity to show the people that they were still there and that the fight to establish a free Aceh was continuing. GAM wanted to show the Acehnese that they were still alive and continuing their fight for independence.

This is the reason why a strong TNI and police presence is still needed to protect the people from GAM. The TNI and the police would be happy if GAM honored the administrative status of Aceh, based on the progress of peace talks in Helsinki.

I hope that the critics can see the necessity of maintaining a strong TNI and police presence to prevent GAM from taking advantage of the lifting of the state of civil emergency, and to protect the people and continue with their humanitarian duties.

SOEGIH ARTO, Jakarta