By: Edi Jatmiko) *
Ahead of the Independence Day of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on December 4, 2019, there was an invitation to fly the star moon flag. The Acehnese also refused to raise the star moon flag because it is still an integral part of Indonesia.
Likewise, Papua has an OPM as a provocateur to escape from the Republic of Indonesia. Aceh also has GAM (Free Aceh Movement). GAM is a separatist organization whose goal is to make Aceh independent from the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The conflict between the Indonesian government and GAM was due to differences in desires that have taken place since 1976 and caused the fall of nearly 15,000 people. This movement is also popularly known as the Aceh Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF). GAM itself was led by Hasan di Tiro for almost three decades who lived and were Swedish citizens. However, on June 2, 2010, he obtained Indonesian citizenship status, exactly the day before he died in the city of Banda Aceh.
Historically, when Indonesia gained its independence, Aceh became one of its territories. The people of Aceh were also considered to have contributed greatly to the Republic by donating funds to buy Seulawah aircraft – the first aircraft owned by Indonesia. However, the Jakarta decision in 1950, which downgraded Aceh’s status to become a residency under the Province of North Sumatra, sparked the disappointment of the Acehnese who then fought back.
However, since 2015 it has been at peace with the Government of Indonesia. Even with the use of the red and white flag as a symbol of the country. so that when there is a provocation to raise another flag that is the symbol of the moon star, they reject it outright.
The central government also seems to have prepared the anticipation of events like this in advance. By issuing Government Regulation Number 77 of 2007, concerning Regional Symbols.
In this PP it is stated that regional symbols or flags may not match some or all of them with other national flags, including the Indonesian flag or the flag of a separatist movement. The PP also explained examples of separatist flags, namely the Crescent Star flag in Papua and the Crescent Star flag in Aceh.
This refusal is not without reason. Previously the former commander of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) Muzakir Manaf had ensured that the people of Aceh had been pro-Republic of Indonesia (NKRI). In addition, he brought up the Helsinki agreement, which was capable of being expected to make Aceh even more advanced.
So, the possibility that GAM will rise again is considered zero. Because, the Helsinki agreement claimed there would be no room to launch a referendum.
The Ministry of Home Affairs at that time also had an opinion about the Aceh referendrum discourse initiated by Muzakir. In line with Wiranto, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that in the Helsinki agreement between GAM and the Government of Indonesia, the term referendum was not known. The Helsinki agreement was considered capable of ending the conflict between Aceh and Indonesia that lasted for almost 30 years. These points of understanding are finally outlined in Law No. 11/2006 on the Government of Aceh.
In addition, it was also explained that Aceh had the power to run all its public sectors. Nevertheless, for matters of foreign relations, defense, fiscal matters, and legal issues, it is still the authority of the central government.
Furthermore, this Helsinki agreement document is suspected to contain six points of agreement. Which consists of the administration of Government in Aceh, Human Rights (HAM), regarding amnesty and reintegration into society. Not to forget security arrangements, the establishment of an Aceh monitoring mission and dispute resolution.
Based on the data above, it is unlikely that GAM will come back alive. Because they firmly recognize the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia. In fact, they also stated that welfare was built after joining Indonesia. If they are still tempted to fly the flag that is identical to this separatist group, surely they will not be able to survive until 14 years after the signing of the peace agreement with Indonesia, right?
Moreover, the star flag of this star is indeed prohibited by the state. Therefore, if the ban is still carried out there will be a criminal offense.
The Aceh region is indeed independent, but they claim that their independence remains with Indonesia. So, if there are still provocations related to the raising of prohibited flags or which indicate the direction of the separatist movement they are not hesitant to make resistance or resistance. Namely, in order to show his status as an Indonesian citizen.