[Opinion] The Problem Behind 12 Years of Peace Aceh-Indonesia

This photo is taken from portalsatu.com [http://www.portalsatu.com]

Peace in Aceh reaches the age of 12 years. Where, 12 years ago, or rather August 15, 2005, GAM, which is an Acehnese independence organization, signed a peace agreement with the Republic of Indonesia in Helsinki, Sweden.

Both sides agreed to make peace. No more armed violence in Aceh resulted in the loss of life of the people.
GAM acknowledges that Aceh is a part of the Republic of Indonesia. While the Republic of Indonesia promises to grant power to Aceh as well as to privileges compared to other provinces in Indonesia.

In this peace agreement, Aceh is approved to be granted privileges, because Aceh will have its own constitution law or it is called LoGA, any policies related to Aceh will be consulted with the Aceh legislature.

Then the boundaries of Aceh returned to the map of July 1, 1956. If referring to this regulation, the Deli, Asahan, Langkat and Karo regions, which previously entered the administrative territory of North Sumatra, should be returned to the province.

Aceh is entitled to receive the name of oil and gas (Oil and Gas) from the Government of Indonesia.
This area is also entitled to own flags and symbols. Flags and symbols are different from the Indonesian republic.

The flag of Aceh is a regional flag. While the flag of Indonesia is the flag of sovereignty.

All these powers, will only be obtained in Aceh, if GAM cuts their weapons. This should be done to give the Republic of Indonesia some authority. And GAM weapons were cut in 2005.

But over time, many parties promised by the Republic of Indonesia, for Aceh is not met. In fact, GAM weapons have been cut since 12 years ago.

About limits for example. Supposedly, the Deli area, Asahan, Langkat and Karo, according to the July 1, 1956 map, were returned to Aceh. But this point has not been acted upon yet.

Similarly, about the flag, the symbol for Aceh. There is no clarity until now.

One by one important point in the Aceh law was also repealed. The authority of Aceh as agreed in Helsinki was not implemented.

This situation, according to the authors, has the potential to create armed conflict in Aceh.

In Aceh, there is currently no conflict. A number of media, both local and international, reported that the people of Aceh live safely after the peace agreement between GAM and Indonesia.

However, there is actually a potential conflict that now arises because of the disappointment of the people of Aceh. People assume that Indonesia does not agree with what has been agreed.

Aceh's current condition is similar to Aceh in the past. Where, peace does not last long because of betrayal. Aceh has never been specifically enforced as promised.