I refer to two articles published in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 26: First the editorial, titled "Another Aceh War?" and second, an article titled "Akhtisaari warns over fragile Aceh Peace".

Martti Akhtisaari is the former Finnish president who mediated the agreed Peace Accord between the Indonesian government and the Aceh Freedom Movement (GAM), signed in Helsinki in 2005. Akhtisaari visited Aceh recently.

The two articles describe the current security situation in Aceh, which needs the urgent attention of those officials responsible for this problem. I hope the articles refer to the security situation in some parts of Aceh and not the situation in the whole province. However I agree those security developments should not be neglected or belittled, they should be responded to proportionally.

As an Indonesian citizen who loves the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, I would be happy to see Aceh remain a part of Indonesia. Therefore, I would like to convey my ideas and suggestions below:

The heroism of the Acehnese during the Dutch colonial era and also in the struggle to establish an independent Aceh should end now. Please look at Afghanistan and other heroic nations who are still in trouble today, because they were wrong in the implementation of their heroic and brave character.

If another civil war breaks in Aceh, this territory will certainly be torn up and divided into various areas and ethnic groups, where women, children and old men could never live peacefully.

To think of establishing an independent state of Aceh is no more realistic. It is against the Indonesian people's interests, which geopolitically and geostrategically include the interests of the Acehnese. Please think wisely, then, I believe my fellow Acehnese will realize that to be a part of Indonesia with fellow Indonesians is the best choice for the Acehnese.

I suggest, however, all parties concerned, especially all the political parties in the House of Representatives, review the law that was promulgated after the Helsinki Accord in 2005. This review is needed to amend the articles concerning the rights and the mission of the Aceh Provincial Legislative Council to definitely state that there is no way for Aceh to separate from Indonesia.

The Aceh Legislative Council, where local Aceh parties possibly have strong representation, should deal with everything concerning Acehnese interests (defence, foreign affairs, economics and the political system) and the regulations and decisions by the Aceh Regional Administration should be always in line with Pancasila as the state ideology, and the 1945 Constitution.

As far as the security situation in Aceh is concerned, I strongly suggest the central government should pay serious attention to the tactical and technical developments in the field. I also suggest the Aceh governor should declare a civil emergency in certain parts of Aceh like that declared in Poso, Central Sulawesi.

Soedibyo

Jakarta

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