Acehkonflikten - en analys med identiteten i fokus

A violent conflict emerged in the Indonesian province of Aceh in 1976, with the rebels of the Free Aceh Movement, GAM, on one side, and the Indonesian government on the other. GAM demanded Aceh to become independent, but the Indonesian government did not accept their nationalistic claims. The conflict therefore lasted for almost thirty years, and many civilians were killed during this period. This essay deals with this particular conflict; its causes and its solution. In the centre of the analysis we find the identity of the Acehnese people, and the way in which this identity has been constructed and re-constructed throughout the history. The main causes to the conflict can be found in the Indonesian government's treatment of the Acehnese people. They exploited Acehnese natural resources and oppressed them politically trough their Javanese dominance. Furthermore, the oppression and brutality of the Indonesian military deepened the feeling of injustice and alienation in the minds of the Acehnese people. As a result, the traditionally strong ethnic identity of Aceh was transformed into a national identity, with growing claims for justice and independence for the acehnese people. The conflict seemed almost impossible to solve peacefully, but after the tsunami in 2004 an opportunity emerged. The negotiations started again and resulted in an agreement of peace (Helsinki MoU). The agreement could be signed, and implemented, since there had been a reframing of conflict from both sides. GAM withdrew their demands for independence, and was allowed to form a political party. Their members also received amnesty and land. The Indonesian government implemented the special autonomy status that Aceh had been promises in an earlier agreement. In return, Aceh remained a part of Indonesia