Very little is known about the Free Aceh Movement - (GAM; Gerakan Aceh Merdeka) or more properly calls itself the Acheh Sumatra National Liberation Front
(ASNLF). Scattered Indonesian media reports give a confusing and inconsistent
information.
(The symbol and flag of Free Aceh Movement or Acheh Sumatra National Liberation Front)
Indonesian media reports indicate it now consists of two rival factions. The split between them is being exploited by Jakarta, which claims to have entered into negotiations with one while the other loudly denounces the notion of compromise. I also know about the tension within
ASNLF, although they always deny it to
all international mass media for the sake of "the unity Acehnese struggle".
But none of the information's is reliable. Too many peoples
speak about Free Aceh Movement, and too many others claims them self as members
of Free Aceh Movement. No outsiders knows what really happen within the
movements.
If you want to study more about Free Aceh Movement (or ASNLF), you can find
several literatures about them that I recommend in other section of Aceh
Links (see: Literatures). Several writings from
Hasan Tiro (Free Aceh Movement leader) also available from ASNLF headquarter in
Sweden.
Outsiders view on ASNLF:
What
is the Free Aceh Movement? (by Gerry van Klinken, from 'Inside
Indonesia').
A reply from ASNLF members:
"What is
the Free Aceh Movement?"; Comment (
by Yusuf Daud, General Secretary of ASNLF).
Paper from ASNLF supporter:
Aceh’s Case: Possible Solution to a Festering Conflict
(by Lukman Thaib in Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs)
Here are several documents/statements that has been issued by Free
Aceh Movement or
the people who associate with them. (Note: Acehnese people who support for
separation or independence are prefer to use ACHEH or ATJEH to refer their homeland
rather than ACEH. This is one way to express their difference and
opposition to Indonesia central government, Jakarta).
DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE OF ACHEH - SUMATRA (Acheh, Sumatra, December 4, 1976)
The Price of Freedom: The Unfinished
Diary (Hasan di Tiro Autobiography, Abstract, 1984)
From Now On, It Is Not Just Free Acheh but Free Sumatra!
(Hasan di Tiro interview with NRC Handelsblad, June 1st, 1991)
The New-Colonialism : Denominated "Indonesians!"
(speech
in front of UNPO General Assembly, The Hague, January 20th, 1995)
Massacres in Acheh Condoned and Abetted (February
21st, 1999)
The Future Integration of Indonesia: Focus on Acheh
(Statement by Dr.Husaini Hasan at the International Conference on Acheh,
Washington, April 3rd , 1999)
To The People of Australia (statement by Dr.Husaini Hasan, undated, Mid 1999)
Why Acheh Wants Independence ...? (prepare
by MP GAM, August 1999)
Who Says Aceh is Integral to RI? (by M. Yusuf Daud,
in Jakarta Post, November 27th, 1999)
State Terrorism in Acheh is In Progress (January
9th, 2000)
Humanitarian
Issues in Acheh
(February
4th, 2000)
Free Aceh Movement (or ASNLF) and their supporters also have
build homepage to promote their causes. Below is the sites that I consider the
best (the language is mostly Indonesian or Acehnese) ;
Negara Atjeh Merdeka (by
Mr. Jaja Taha)
MP - GAM Site (by
Free Aceh Movement Government Council, or MP - GAM, Malaysia)
ASNLF Online (by
Free Aceh Movement, USA)
Suara Rakyat Aceh (from
Center for Information and Social Issues of Acehnese in Sweden)
The People Voice of Aceh
