Helsinki Negotiation is Stagnant

Author: The Acheh Referendum Information Centre (SIRA)
Category: Acheh and Its Future
Date: 02/01/05

Commentary

“Indonesia Unitary State (NKRI) and Independent Acheh”
Helsinki Negotiation

he failure to achieve a concrete agreement during negotiations between the RI government and Free Acheh Movement Government (PNA/GAM) on January 29, 2005, at Helsinski, Finland, was the result of the parties too quickly including political options in the negotiations. Whether Acheh will remain with NKRI or become an Independent State is not an urgent problem that must be resolved in this dialogue. On this occasion, the parties were not supposed to put forward their political agendas because Acheh is still in a traumatic situation and terrible condition.

If all parties try to understand and seriously realize the Achenese suffering, this dialogue
would be able to bring about a positive result for the peace building process. A cease fire should
be seen as a significant need for healing the Achenese affected by the Tsunami, so they will not
continue to be frightened and traumatized.

The lack of a formal decision for a cease fire policy at the Helsinski Negotiation definitely will
hamper aid distribution, recovery and Acheh's reconstruction process. War and humanitarian
disaster will dominate Acheh's situation post Helsinski dialogue. This situation will leave the
Achenese even more distressed.

The parties were supposed to make the Helsinski negotiations part of a process to end the armed conflict. A cessation of hostilities would open space for the Achenese to be free from war.

A major factor in the failure of Helsinki was the lack of agreement about the conflict's solution
within the Indonesian government. it was apparent that the Indonesian side is not serious about
negotiations with PNA/GAM. This was seen even in the make -up of RI delegation sent to
the negotiations.

We hope there is no conflict inside the RI Government about the agreement to meet again in
Helsinski. RI must resume this dialogue based on humanitarian interests, democracy and peace, not political policy. Only then can the Negotiations result in a positive policy.

On the other hand, the international community, especially the United Nations (UN), has a significant role to force all parties to launch re-negotiation and cease fire. Although the RI and UN still consider the Acheh conflict as a internal problem, the Tsunami disaster and conflict which cause great humanitarian problems cannot be handled by RI alone, without a significant role from the international community.

Lastly, we call on the International Community, UN, United States, and NGO’s to begin the reconstruction process for Acheh and pressure the warring parties RI and PNA/GAM, launch A cease fire policy, because in a war situation, its impossible to distribute humanitarian aid and implement Acheh's reconstruction. This policy IS important to implement, in order for the aid given not to be useless.

Thus, We hope our words will receive attention, and be considered for the purpose of peace
building, Human Rights Implementation, Justice and Freedom for Achenese.

For more information on this report, please contact the Acheh Referendum Information Centre (SIRA); Jln. T. Panglima Polem No. 13 A; Kp. Laksana, Banda Acheh - Sumatra; Phone/Fax: +62-651-24043; Cell:081511698488; E-mail: sira_jaringan2000@yahoo.com