The Acehnese people commemorated the day of peace. However, there are a number of people who don’t care and even forget about this important day, both in terms of background and impact. What the people of Aceh feel now, especially a comfortable and safe life, started with the memorandum of understanding between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the government of the Republic of Indonesia which was called the Helshinki MoU (Memorandum of Understanding).
Before being signed in Finland, the peace negotiations between Aceh and the Republic of Indonesia began with the JCM (Join Council Meeting) located in Tokyo, Japan. Despite their success, these negotiations yielded a worse outcome in the form of a military operation in Aceh that killed more civilians than the authorities themselves.
The military operation left enormous wounds especially for the Acehnese people. The negotiations are unlikely to bring Aceh and the Republic of Indonesia together. Until, the tsunami hit Aceh in 2004.
Right after the tsunami, negotiations between GAM and the Republic of Indonesia took place taking into account the conditions of the Acehnese people. At that time, turning your face away from aid in the form of peace was not the right option. Hence, after several discussions, an agreement was born consisting of several articles called the Helshinki MoU.
The Helshinki MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed in Finland on 15 August 2005 after 30 years of massive conflict in Aceh. At that time, the conflict resolution in Aceh was the largest single conflict resolution in the world. In fact, Susilo Bambang Yudoyono, who was then president, was elected as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008. Even though the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 was the former president of Finland, Marti Ahtisaari, who was also an accomplished Aceh peace facilitator.
The Helshinki MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) was signed in Finland on 15 August 2005 after 30 years of massive conflict in Aceh. At that time, the conflict resolution in Aceh was the largest single conflict resolution in the world. In fact, Susilo Bambang Yudoyono, who was then president, was elected as a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008. Even though the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 was the former president of Finland, Marti Ahtisaari, who was also an accomplished Aceh peace facilitator.
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Many of the Acehnese people have negative views on the central government and the Aceh government regarding the articles that have not been implemented. However, what needs to be underlined is that very few Acehnese people see the side of its success, namely the 61 articles of the Helshinki MoU that have been implemented. The peace that the Acehnese people has implemented since 2005 cannot and cannot be damaged by several articles of the memorandum of understanding that have not been implemented. Maintain this peace with seriousness in learning and wisdom in behavior. In terms of the seriousness of learning, we must know the history of Aceh from the initial to the final period, so that the conclusions we have are not necessarily beneficial or detrimental to one party. In terms of behavior, don’t turn controversy as the basis of conflict! Don’t turn war into a solution to a problem! For example, when a pandemic that harms all levels of society is ongoing, a lot of controversy is distributed, which if followed up with a careless attitude. This could destroy the integrity of the Republic of Indonesia. Therefore, prioritize peace! stay away from all controversy and prejudice against anyone, be it the government or society!
Written by Rizka Malda Phonna