Why is it so hard to make peace?

Why is it so hard to make peace?

From Pelita

Why is it so hard for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) to respond to an offer of peace? Most Indonesians want to see a peaceful settlement to the bloody conflict in Aceh.

Indonesian soldiers have been besieging a swampy area in Cot Trieng, North Aceh, which is believed to be a hideout for GAM members, to push them to the negotiating table. Unfortunately, the GAM commander in Pase, Tengku Sofyan Dawood, has challenged the Indonesian Military by stating that the surrounded GAM rebels are prepared to fight the Indonesian soldiers.

GAM should have responded positively to the offer of peace from the Indonesian government. So far, Indonesian soldiers have shown great patience and have not been provoked by GAM statements.

If violence is pursued, the Acehnese people will surely be victimized. GAM should quickly state its readiness to negotiate a peace deal with the Indonesian government. This is the only way to avoid more bloodshed and ensure that the Aceh conflict is peacefully resolved.

PURWADIJO, Bogor, West Java