It is important that the myth that tsunami played a role in ending the effort of Acehnese to gain independence from Indonesia is laid to rest. In fact it delayed a settlement as peace feelers had been sent out before the tsunami and a delegation from Indonesia to meet the leaders of the independence movement in Sweden was delayed due to the tsunami. It was the greatness of SBY and Yusuf Kala as well as the Acehnese negotiators to come to an agreement to settle this conflict which had been festering since the independence of Indonesia. There are many problems in Aceh and it is sad that the administration of Aceh since the peace deal has not performed well even under the the existing provisions of the law on autonomy which was sadly watered down by the elite in Jakarta. There has been gross incompetence and greed on the part of many elected officials and many government officials including the heads of the various departments. There were great opportunities which have been missed -- a tie-up with Malaysian airlines for a regional and provincial airline, a regional port system, improved education, protection for the forest and a green master plan with carbon emission trading, upgrading of Sabang, tourism. These problems have been compounded by the creation of the Dinas Syariah and the enactment of so-called Syariah Qanun with the narrow focus on personal matters in a manner which is at odds with the true teachings of Islam. There was so much hope after the tsunami just like the hope when Aceh provided vital support to the independence of Indonesia but sadly both have been promises as yet unfulfilled. Will the tenth anniversary provide a chance to stock-take and move forward to a better future? We can only pray.
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 23:43:09 +0000
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