The Aceh Peace Process: Why it Failed

by Edward Aspinall

This paper presents a preliminary analysis of the history and dynamics of Aceh's abortive peace process conducted between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Indonesian government. After surveying the origins and progress of the negotiations, the paper examines the roles played by the main players, the problems encountered along the way, and the achievements that were registered. Currently the peace process has broken down because the two parties have been unable to agree on the fundamental issue dividing whether Aceh would become an independent nation or remain an integral part of the Indonesian state. This essay explains the reasons for the failure of the process with the hope that the lessons learned may be of relevance to policymakers, analysts, and others with an interest in the long-term resolution of the Aceh conflict as well as other internal disputes in the region and beyond. It also suggests that the Indonesian government's current resort to a military solution is not only unlikely to resolve the conflict but may ultimately be counterproductive. Eventually a return to negotiations – not necessarily with GAM alone – will be necessary.

74 pages, Paperback

First published December 10, 2003

About the author

Edward Aspinall is professor of politics at the Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very sound piece of academic work on the peace process in Aceh. This particular piece was written about the peace process that began in 1999 and ended in 2003 - so don't fear, the New Peace Process is still proceeding. I really liked his analysis toward the end of the reasons why GAM, rebel movement, and GoI could not come to a solid agreement. And it was interesting to think about how the facilitators played a possible negitative role in the negotiations.