faraway

Aceh community wants a peace and a normal life. Because of that, the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) had decided to not continue the rebellion with GoI in fighting a freedom for Aceh. (Zaini Abdullah. Prominent Figure of GAM)

Aceh Kids in Cot Jeumpa

Yesterday, 15 August 2005, The Indonesian Government (GoI) and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed a peace accord after six months of negotiations, paving the way for an end to three decades of bloodshed that has claimed about 15.000 lives.

There are many debates amongs the politicians about this accord. Many people are happy with it but others are pessimistic with the implementation of this accord and the role of foreigners in monitoring the implementations of the deal. Because of the items that appear on the peace accord have more benefits for GAM than GoI, many people also said that this peace accord was the way how GAM will get their freedom in future.

Personally, I do not know about politic and I do not care about the reactions of Indonesia politicians. I just thought that this is a good step for building a peace in Aceh. I was touched by Aceh community’s reactions when the agreement was signed. They looked very happy, they had been waiting this peace agreement for 30 years. They want to live in a peace, they want to have a normal life. My friend, Bang Afrizal, said “Galuh, we are very happy and after this we will go to the Baiturrahman Mosque for sujud syukur (Thank God)”. From the bottom of my heart, I really hope that this deal will truly bring a peace in Aceh.

Hopefully both GAM and GoI will keep their promise in implementing the items of the deal. And hopefully in near future, we will not see children who lose their fathers, we will not see women who raped by military or GAM, we will not see children who become soldier, we will not see women who cry because she has lost her children or husband, and we will not see any other violences-rebellions-conflicts-disasters in Aceh.

Galuh, 16 August 2005
1 (one) day after Aceh Peace Pact was signed