The Wall Street Journal
February 20, 2002

Commentary
Prospects for Peace in Aceh
By David L. Phillips / Council on Foreign Relations

Despite the Indonesian army's preference for a military solution in the
restive north Sumatra province of Aceh, there are renewed prospects for a
negotiated peace. Earlier this month, government officials and
pro-independence leaders restarted negotiations in Geneva after an
eight-month hiatus. The talks were mediated by Gen. Anthony Zinni, a retired
four-star general, the former Thai foreign minister, Surin Pitsuwan, and
Budimir Loncar, Yugoslavia's ex-ambassador to Indonesia. Adding gravitas to
the process, these so-called "Wise Men" secured a pledge from both sides to
end violence and discussed a timetable for local elections. Behind closed
doors, both sides showed signs of flexibility about ways to achieve
meaningful self-government for Aceh. The group also agreed to meet again next
month.

At this critical juncture, a package of new ideas is needed to pave the way
forward. Progress can be achieved via an incremental process that addresses
security concerns, highlights confidence-building measures and allows for
meaningful self-government. Immediate measures are needed to calm the region
and create an atmosphere for constructive negotiations. To this end, Jakarta
should agree to observe civilian safety zones around mosques, schools,
hospitals and camps for displaced persons. When the army finally withdraws to
its barracks, the Free Aceh Movement, or GAM, should reciprocate by ceasing
military operations. International observers should be deployed to monitor
implementation of security stabilization measures by both sides.

From there, the next step is to build confidence. Some members of the GAM
negotiating team were arrested last year and their passports confiscated.
They should be unconditionally released and their freedom of movement
guaranteed. Jakarta has pledged to set up a special human-rights court.
President Megawati Sukarnoputri Should go further by consolidating civilian
control over the military and send a strong message of support for human
rights by prosecuting high-profile military and intelligence officers who
participated in atrocities during previous regimes. For its part, GAM could
demonstrate goodwill by promising to protect the rich oil and natural gas
fields in North Aceh. In fact, maintaining a productive energy sector is in
the GAM's best interest. Revenues from energy sales would represent a vital
income source to support future decentralization and power-sharing
arrangements.

To achieve meaningful self-government, future discussions should focus on the
establishment of governing institutions responsive to local needs and
accountable to the local population. International experts should help
prepare the electoral law, mobilize public outreach and monitor the vote to
ensure that local elections are free and fair. After the elections, the
assembly should select a local executive and define the powers of an
independent judiciary conforming to Acehnese culture and tradition.
Mechanisms for Acehnese participation in public security and policing
functions should also be negotiated.

Self-governance also implies local control over natural resources. To support
the apparatus of local government, local authorities must have the ability to
tax and raise revenues. Other stakeholders, such as the indigenous
population, should also share equity and ownership of the resource base. In
addition, cultural and symbolic rights are important. The Acehnese should be
able to fly their flag, sing their national anthem and observe traditional
holidays. Acehnese schools should adopt a culturally appropriate curriculum
and religious freedoms should be assured.

Still, as evidenced by the mixed message from this month's talks, the peace
process will be long and arduous. The international community can help by
supporting the mediators and encouraging the "Wise Men" to stay engaged. Gen.
Zinni should visit Jakarta for discussions with cabinet members, including
representatives of the Indonesian Army. And more support should be provided
to the all-inclusive Acehnese Civil Society Task Force via expanded
humanitarian assistance and capacity building for civic organizations.

To be sure, the Free Aceh Movement remains skeptical about any agreement that
falls short of state sovereignty. It will not easily surrender its dream of
independence. To obviate any implied dishonor by deferring its independence
demand, an interim agreement could include a review clause with procedures
for evaluating implementation after a specific period of time. In the 21st
century, the globalization of economic opportunity will continue to render
national borders less important. The goal of independence, so important
today, may mean much less in years hence.

Harmonizing competing claims between Jakarta and the Free Aceh Movement can
be achieved peacefully and through negotiations. To this end, the
international mediators must dissuade both sides from pursuing a military
solution to the conflict. The international community will not condone
violence as a tool for political expression, nor will it let the war on
terror be used to justify abuses or settle scores in Aceh.

Mr. Phillips is a senior associate and deputy director of the Center for
Preventive Action at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.