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| Separatist Movements |
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Overview
A number of separatist movements in Indonesia are threatening the stability, unity, and territorial integrity of the country. Indonesia is a nation comprised of many different ethnic and religious groups living on over 6,000 islands. The government is struggling to maintain the territorial integrity of such a disparate nation, especially after East Timor's separatist movement, which led to independence in 1999. Currently, two of the most significant separatist movements operate in West Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya) and Aceh. In each region, there have been violent confrontations between separatists and the Indonesian army that have left many people dead or wounded. The question of how to cope with separatist movements is a challenging one for the Indonesian government. Under Former President Abdurrahman Wahid, there was some shift towards decentralization and increased regional autonomy. President Megawati has continued with the move towards special autonomy, but has allowed increased military activity to monitor and suppress separatist groups.
Government Response
Since the independence of East Timor, negotiations for greater regional autonomy have been part of the strategy to avert conflict. Decentralization laws give greater control of resources, infrastructure, health care, and education to local government. These measures are meant to reinforce the notion of the Republic of Indonesia while acknowledging local customs and cultures. However, limited autonomy often does not do much to appease groups seeking independence. Ongoing violence in Aceh and West Papua after peace talks reinforces the idea that both government and separatist forces are not fully invested in peace efforts.
West Papua
Peace initiatives by civilians in West Papua have emerged in the last three years, since reformasi began in Jakarta. Until 2000, the government would not engage in discussion about autonomy, creating a polarization among the population between Papuans who supported autonomy versus those who wanted independence. The process of drafting the special autonomy took place in 2000-2001 and included members of the community and the government. The Papuan Presidium Council (PDC) board of leaders preferred to keep strictly to their mandate for independence and did not participate. The murder of Theys Hiyo Eluay, president of the PDC, under mysterious circumstances further reduced credibility in the peace process. However, January 1, 2002 marked the beginning of a new period of special autonomy with a shift in responsibilities and resources from Jakarta to the regional governance. The name of the territory was officially changed to West Papua from Irian Jaya.
Aceh
An intensifying conflict has been emerging from the resource-rich province of Aceh, posing a threat to Indonesian unity. Public support for rebel movements in Aceh has increased over the past decade as the Indonesian military has stepped up its activities, resulting in human rights abuses and widespread violence.
Attempts at peace talks began in 1999 but were not fruitful. GAM still felt that TNI representatives were not willing to come to the negotiating table as equals. In July 2001, the special autonomy law was passed giving Aceh some measure of self-government such as the right to elect its own governor directly. The law also grants the right to set up local courts based on Islamic Shariah.
Talks held in Geneva in 2001 lay the foundation for a ceasefire but have not been implemented. An ICG report states that, "GAM will be reluctant to lay down its weapons because they are the strongest claim to being taken seriously by Jakarta. The government needs to offer Aceh incentives for peace."
East Timor
May 20 marked the birth of the nation of East Timor. Xanana Gusmao, elected in April by a landslide, assumed the position of President, taking over from the transitional UN forces. Indonesia invaded East Timor in 1975 and annexed it the following year. In August 1999 the overwhelming majority of East Timorese voted in a United Nations-sponsored referendum to secede from Indonesia. The withdrawal of Indonesian forces was violent and left much of the territory in ruins. A human rights tribunal, which was set up by the Megawati administration with international support in order to investigate the actions of the Indonesian military in East Timor, is currently underway.
Updated May 2002
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