Press Statement

15 August 2015

Commemoration of 10th Anniversary of Memorandum of Understanding between Free Acheh Movement (GAM) and Government of Indonesia (GoI), 15 August 2005-15 August 2015

Today, we celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of the signing of Memorandum of Understanding on 15th August 2005 at Helsinki, Finland. With that, it ended the three decades of conflict that has caused tens of thousands innocent lives and loss of properties that are uncountable. In addition to this long and dirty war; God tested the patience and perseverance of Achehnese with the tsunami – that killed more than 200 000 lives and destroying almost the whole region. But this natural disaster was a blessing in disguise and acted as a catalyst in expediting the peace process.

We have welcomed and enjoyed the peace process that along the way is still facing many obstacles and challenges ahead. Many efforts have been implemented but there are also many points in the MoU that are still on paper without further actions and yet to be implemented as what the Achehnese have high-hopes for.

Our main intention in commemorating this day is to remember, evaluate and resolve the outstanding issues that we have agreed upon in the MoU immediately. In reaching this peace agreement, we have sacrificed tears, blood and large number of victims in the conflict.

I am very aware of how the GAM negotiating really fought for all the issues in the MoU. We would not budge until all the clauses of the MoU have been agreed by all parties. Even President Mr. Martti Ahtisaari, reminded us, “Nothing is agreed until everything is agreed!” It is thereby the responsibilities of all the respective stakeholders to fulfill their commitment in implementing the clauses of the MoU.

As one of the members in the GAM negotiating team, I share the concerns of the Achehnese people that the implementation of the MoU has not been optimal as we had expected. We would continue to monitor and work for the full implementation.

We therefore call upon the Government of Indonesia and the Acheh Government that:

Some of the points in the Law on Government of Acheh (LoGA) that do not accommodate the MoU are revised, so as to speed up the social, economic and political developments in Acheh.
The reintegration process is comprehensively and further extended to include former GAM combatants to avoid further conflict on the ground. In this respect, the KPA (Acheh Transition Committee) should be made aware of why this organization is being set-up so as not to benefit the personal/particular group interests.
Joint Claim Settlement (JCS) bodies to accommodate the victims of conflict must be establish and focus on this group with effective programs.
Prioritize economic programs that are beneficial for the people so that they are independent and self-sufficient to boost the economy of Acheh.
The Truth and Reconciliation and Human Rights processes must begin in Acheh.
The ulama, local figures, academicians are invited in giving inputs on all aspects of Achehnese society including, religion, economic, political, social and cultural aspects.

We call upon all GAM members and former combatants to adhere to the commitment of peace that:

Although we have agreed not to restrain GAM members from participating in the democratic elections as Governor/Vice/Regents/mayors; and members of local parliament, we re-iterate that the higher brass in GAM not to join in the legislative and executive elections in the future.

Even if you wish to do so, do not use the name of GAM. Members of GAM are free to support whoever they wish as candidates in the local government or parliamentary elections. GAM’s main responsibility is to maintain the peace process and monitor/ strive for the full implementation of MoU.

We further remind all GAM members to refrain from any form of violence in the coming election.

We call upon all GAM members to unite - whatever party they belong to, in upholding the integrity and status of Acheh.

Let us pray to God that we are successful in all our efforts in lifting up the social status and integrity of the Achehnese people on our path to achieving eternal peace. Amen.

Peace greetings,