Feb 17, 2001

Acheh: Agreement on new security arrangements and democratic consultations


Representatives of the Indonesian government and the leadership of the Free Acheh Movement, on 15 and 16 February 2001, met in Switzerland to discuss new security arrangements and a process of democratic consultations seeking an end to the ongoing conflict in Acheh. This first meeting of their Joint Council on Political Dialogue has led to certain practical arrangements to be introduced, aiming at reducing the levels of violence in Acheh. This includes regular field commander meetings to take place at all levels and a 'hot line' for contact at the highest operational levels to prevent incidents of violence and the escalation thereof. The meetings are to be expanded to include the Indonesian Police and Armed Forces, as well as the operational commanders of the Free Acheh Movement. The Joint Council also agreed to organise a series of preliminary and informal consultations, as part of a broader process of democratic political consultation involving various sectors of Acheh society, on issues affecting their future.

While UNPO is greatly disturbed by the high level of violence in Acheh, we nevertheless are encouraged by this important development that, no doubt, has already contributed to a reduction in the number of serious incidents of violence. We also welcomed the participation of the Acheh-Sumatra National Liberation Front at the Sixth UNPO General Assembly in Tallinn, Estonia from February 14-18. As such, an effective platform was provided for its representative to raise the Acheh people’s legitimate concerns about the international community’s lack of intervention on behalf of their fundamental right to self-determination. Specific reference was made to the failure on the part of the Dutch government to exercise its responsibility towards the people of Acheh. The Netherlands fought a 70 year long war of colonization against the Achehnese until it ended occupation of the territory in 1942. More than 100 000 Achehnese died during this war.

(Reference: Acheh-Sumatra National Liberation Front press release, 16 February 2001).