The Helsinki negotiations: a perspective from Free Aceh Movement negotiators
M. Nur Djuli and Nurdin Abdul Rahman
Nur Djiuli and Nurdin outline obstacles and solutions during the Helsinki negotiations. The Indonesian government would not discuss independence; but the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rejected autonomy as synonymous with oppression. 'Self-government' was eventually agreed as a workable compromise. Other stumbling blocks, relating to security and to local political parties in Aceh, were overcome through the inclusive negotiating model adopted by international mediator Martti Ahtisaari. Opportunities were missed in Helsinki to secure agreement on fiscal policy, and on investigations into human rights abuses. But while the GAM feels that the government is not upholding all of its commitments, peace is still 'holding well'.
