Free Aceh Movement Research Articles

Sharia as a New Culture System of Identity in the Post-Conlict Aceh, Indonesia

The research on Aceh in various fields has been conducted by many scholars so far. What is felt less of concern in academic studies is on current period of post-conflict Aceh after peace process between Free Aceh Movement and Indonesian Army since 2005. This article would like to discuss about contemporary situation, especially in the post-conflict Aceh, on what has been shifted dealing with socio-cultural in Acehnese society. However, it has been a big change and shifting within society in Aceh, particularly after sharia religious law stipulated as the main legal formal that is objected as social engineering. Why sharia is important to be studied here could be not separated from Aceh’s long history and its deep role of Islamization process to South East Asia. Beside it is used as an identity, sharia currently in Aceh has also chosen as the new culture system and as the way out of prolonged armed conflict in Aceh that has taken place for more than three decades (1976-2005). By using theory religion as a culture system, this article would like to discuss and analyze about how does sharia now in Aceh become a new culture system of identity that broadly changed Aceh and its society, not only in socio-cultural, but also any other dimensions of life in contemporary time. The findings show that sharia religious law which has been institutionalized and stipulated as the main legal formal is more being objected as social engineering projects for future oriented social transformation and being a new culture system of identity.

INOVASI LEMBAGA PENDIDIKAN ISLAM ACEH DALAM MEMPERSIAPKAN GENERASI QUR’ANI DI ERA DIGITAL

Aceh after the conflict, precisely after the peace agreement between the Free Aceh Movement and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia on August 15, 2005, has provided space for the revival of Islamic education in Aceh. This article discusses the innovation of Islamic education in Aceh using qualitative methods. The main data of this study are articles that have been published in national and international reputable scientific journals and books in libraries related to Islamic Education Institutions. Data collection uses https://scholar.google.com/ links, https://garuda.kemdikbud.go.id/, and https://www.sciencedirect.com/ which are then analyzed with content analysis techniques. The results of the study show that the revival of Islamic education in Aceh occurs in three innovations. First, institutional innovation with various policies and regulations from the government that is getting stronger. Second, curriculum innovation that combines religious education materials with general science materials with learning methods and media that utilize information technology. Third, innovation in the integration model of dayah/pesantren education with public schools, and integrated public school models such as SD IT, SMP IT and SMU Plus.

Transformation of Ethnonationalist Ideology among Former the Free Aceh Movement Combatants After the MoU Helsinki Peace Agreement in Bireuen Regency

Bireuen Regency is one of the vital base areas for the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). This movement was established in 1976 and was led by Hasan Tiro. Throughout the movement, the Bireuen district became the birthplace of influential GAM fighter figures during the Aceh conflict. While actively fighting for Indonesian independence, GAM carried the ideology of Acehnese ethnonationalism. However, after the signing of the MoU on the Helsinki peace agreement on December 15, 2005, former GAM combatants transformed into a local political party in Aceh and participated in national elections. This study is interesting to examine because this transformation aligns with the acceptance of the ideology of Indonesian nationalism. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the factors that led to the transformation of ethnonationalist ideology among former GAM combatants after the Helsinki MoU in Bireuen Regency. Using qualitative methods based on interviews, the results of this study show that four factors caused the transformation of GAM ideology: peace factors, profit orientation, comfort, compulsion, and disappointment.

Relasi Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM), Masyarakat dan TNI - Polri dalam Pandangan Antropologi Kepolisian

Aceh has a rich history of culture, but its history is also filled with events that shook the society. One of them is the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which attracted the attention of not only the Indonesian people, but also the government and authoritarian parties (TNI-POLRI). The Free Aceh Movement has been analyzed and has a considerable literature review. GAM is also a topic that is often looked at by academics to analyze the events of the movement as a social phenomenon. In this paper, the authors approach GAM as an anthropological policing phenomenon through the lens of the theory. To compare with other studies, the authors also collected various literatures as a basis for analysis and as an instrument to strengthen the argument.

A Study of Implementation of Special Autonomy Law: An Evidence from Post Peace Conflict of Aceh, Indonesia

After the Tsunami in Aceh, the conflict between the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and the Government of Indonesia, which had persisted for over three decades, was resolved. This resolution was achieved when both parties agreed to implement asymmetric decentralization or special autonomy in Aceh. The implementation of Special Autonomy is governed by Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh, specifically regarding the use of the Flag and Emblem for Aceh. This study investigates the factors contributing to the divergence in opinions between the Central Government and the Government of Aceh concerning Qanun No. 3 of 2013 regarding the Aceh Flag and Coat of Arms. This research employed a qualitative approach and conducted in-depth interviews with 15 participants. The findings revealed that the conflict between the Central Government and the Aceh Government regarding the Aceh Flag and Coat of Arms stems from differing perceptions and interpretations of the Crescent Star flag and Bouraq-Lion symbol, which bear resemblance to the flag and logo used by the Aceh Movement. Merdeka (GAM) and Government Regulation Number 77 of 2007 concerning Regional Emblems. Conflict resolution has reached an impasse, as both parties involved maintain their respective positions. This deadlock resulted in the unauthorized display of the crescent and star flag by Acehnese citizens, a decline in Acehnese support for the Aceh Party, and the strengthening of potential regional disintegration in Aceh. This study suggests that the implementation of special autonomy as part of the consensus on conflict resolution may be compromised if the previous agreement is not upheld.

Eksistensi Ulama Dayah Dalam Perpolitikan di Aceh Tahun 2024

From time to time, the role of Ulama in Indonesia has been very important in its position, as well as in Aceh as a region that upholds Islamic law. The role of Ulama is not only limited to educators and lecturers in mosque pulpits, but historically they have also been very influential in the resistance against colonialism. After MOU Helsingki between Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), many local parties emerged in political contestation, one of which was a party dominated by ulama. The role of ulama, who are basically educators, is starting to exist in the world of politics. This research aims to determine the existence of Ulama Dayah in politics in Aceh, as well as to determine the role of Ulama Dayah in politics in Aceh. This research is qualitative research with a phenomenological approach. Data collection techniques were carried out using participant observation and documentation. The results of the research show that Ulama Dayah are increasingly present in politics in Aceh, especially seen from the existence of new parties that are clearly affiliated with Ulama Dayah. Then, looking at the role of the Ulama in Aceh from time to time, they have played many roles in society apart from being educators. Ulama play an active and passive role in political contestation in Aceh.

Indonesia's Diplomacy Towards the Free Papua Organization (OPM)

Para diplomacy is conducted by a sub-nation entity, such as the Free Papua Organization (OPM), a representative of groups within the state to gain independence. Indonesia has had long negotiation experience with separatist groups, such as the Republic of South Maluku (RMS), pro-independence in East Timor (Fretilin), and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Indonesia's diplomacy with the three movements has succeeded in solving the problem with various peace agreements. Since 1967, with the signing of the referendum, Indonesia still had to resolve various issues that led to the demand for independence. This paper analyzes Indonesia's diplomacy towards OPM by implementing SWAA instruments, namely Strength, Weakness, Advocacy and Adversary, in bilateral and multilateral context. Based on para diplomacy’s main objectives to reinforce identity claims, build and assert claims through actions to influence the international community, the analysis is focused on Indonesian efforts to weaken claims. The purpose of the study is to determine the supporting factors or challenges of OPM’s para diplomacy. The study would become a reference to the government and decision makers while from a theoretical aspect, would enrich understanding of para diplomacy. Hopefully that the study could support the Indonesian vision to maintain state sovereignty and integrity.

Laclau and Mouffe's Radical Hegemony and Democracy Thought: The Transformation of the Free Aceh Movement into the Aceh Party

The Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is a group that demands that the central government be part of a democracy. The group moved freely and radically with the aim of separating itself from the rest of Indonesia. The focus of this paper is on analyzing GAM's transformation into the Aceh Party, which is different from other radical movements in Indonesia. The purpose of this research is to understand the transformation through Laclau and Mouffe's ideas on radical hegemony and democracy. Radical democracy is a form of struggle in achieving autonomous authority on the basis of equality and equality. The author will use qualitative methods with literature study data collection techniques to strengthen problem analysis. The research results show that GAM is considered radical as it is in line with Laclau and Mouffe's ideas. They form a group to demand certain interests so as to create a state of antagonism and hegemony struggle. The formation of the Aceh Party is inseparable from a long journey to fight for the demands of the community and as a form of building political power in accordance with the environmental conditions of society in Aceh. Currently, the Aceh Party no longer implements radical democracy as it used to do with GAM.

The Role of Fear and Memory in West Papua's Ethnonationalist Conflict

In the West Papua conflict, fear fuels both Papuan ethnonationalist and Indonesian nationalist sentiment. We argue that this reciprocal fear and memoria passionis plays a significant role in fuelling political violence. On the one hand, it provokes Papuan activists to respond violently to Indonesian military operations. Fear of losing future generations of indigenous Papuans has strengthened their identity as Papuans and encouraged them to join armed movements against Indonesia. On the other hand, fear of West Papuan independence leads the Indonesian military and police to conduct operations against members of the Free Papua Movement and affiliated groups and other activists not in the independence movement. This results in a "reciprocal fear-fuelled nationalism," whereby Indonesian security forces and Papuan separatist activists are drawn into increasing conflict. In this context, fear becomes institutionalized and socially constructed. By understanding the unending violent conflict in Tanah Papua as related to the transfer of emotions across generations, it becomes clear a military operations approach will not be effective in the long term. Non-violent approaches, especially dialogue with separatist groups, will be more effective in breaking the chain of violent memories, resulting in more positive outcomes for conflict resolution in Papua. Learning from negotiations between the government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement in 2005, we support the proposition that dialogue is the best entry point by which to end this prolonged separatist armed conflict.

Memorialization at Conflict Heritage Sites in Aceh based on Major Events

Aceh’s conflict heritage is a category of dark heritage that has been taking shape since the start of the political conflict between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement in 1976 and the post-tsunami peace agreement in 2005. These events have left a contested tangible and intangible legacy. There is the need to learn from past events with the aim of truth-telling, restoration of victims’ rights, maintaining and nurturing peace. This research aims to identify conflict heritage sites in Aceh and see how the process of memorializing sites is starting to take place. The identification process was conducted through literature review, interviews, focused group discussions, and field verification. Preliminary findings show that 20 significant heritage sites have been mapped, concentrated in the main conflict zones. The heritage objects are identified based on main events timeline and collective narratives of conflict. It also examines the typology of the physical memorials built across the main conflict heritage location and analyzes the process and the results of these memorialization efforts. The results show memorialization efforts face challenges in both the process and form of memorialization. Also, in realizing inclusive and empathic memorialization, it does not only rely on the multi-parties involved but more on the local environmental and cultural context.

Formulation of the Aceh Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in Seeking the Truth about Past Human Rights Violations in Aceh

This journal describes the formulation and implementation of the Aceh Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR) in revealing the truth regarding human rights violations that occurred in Aceh in the past. Aceh is one of the regions in Indonesia that has experienced armed conflict for decades involving the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) group. This period of conflict has led to many cases of human rights violations, and the Aceh TRC has an important role in revealing the truth and seeking reconciliation between the parties involved. This journal will use a research methodology combining a qualitative approach and document analysis to investigate the role and performance of the Aceh Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR). Apart from that, this journal also evaluates the challenges and obstacles faced by the Aceh TRC in the process of revealing the truth. The results of this research found that truth disclosure carried out by the Aceh Truth and Reconciliation Commission (KKR) can provide deeper insight into efforts to overcome human rights violations in Aceh and contribute to understanding the reconciliation process in areas that have been affected by conflict.

Successes and failures of conflict governance: Lessons from Aceh, Indonesia and Moro, Philippines

The purpose of this study is to analyze ethnic conflict management in Aceh (Indonesia) and Moro (Philippines) conflicts. The Aceh conflict was considered resolved after the signing of the Helsinki agreement, which was mediated by the Crisis Management Initiative (CMI), an international NGO based in Finland, on 15 August 2005 between Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (Gerakan Aceh Merdeka, GAM). Meanwhile, the Moro (Philippines) conflict is still ongoing despite the TRIPOLI agreement signed and mediated by the OIC (Organization of Islamic Conference) between the Philippine government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on 23 December 1976 and also with the MILF in 2001. This research method uses a qualitative approach. Primary data was obtained through interviews with figures who were considered competent in the Aceh conflict and the Moro conflict. The results of this study show that CMI in Aceh has succeeded in changing the situation of ethnic conflict into a situation that can reduce and reduce escalation and direct conflict actors towards conflict resolution. Peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace building have been played well by CMI involving the international community such as ASEAN and the European Union to manage the conflict. Meanwhile, in Moro the OIC failed to bring the conflict actors to solve their problems. The Philippine government lacks a robust vision, framework, and the necessary political will to effectively address the Moro conflict, which is of concern to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Strengthening Reintegration through Social Capital: Learning from Aceh, Indonesia

Following the conflict that prevailed from 1976 to 2005, a state of social disintegration persisted between former combatants of the Gerakan Aceh Merdeka - GAM (Free Aceh Movement) and the civil society in Aceh. This disintegration was typically fueled by the former GAM combatants’ militaristic and pragmatic mindsets, instability, and low economic well-being. Interestingly, former GAM combatants in Nisam Antara Subdistrict, North Aceh Regency, have managed to collaborate and coexist with local communities, exemplifying successful social reintegration that distinguishes them from their counterparts in other regions of Aceh. This article delves into the reality of social reintegration between former GAM combatants and the local populace, with a specific focus on the oil palm plantations managed by former GAM combatants. The study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, and data was gathered through a combination of observations, in-depth interviews, document analyses, and focus group discussions. Key informants for this study included former GAM combatants, community and traditional leaders, plantation workers, and members of civil society. The study reveals that moral obligations within communities are guided by local wisdom, which acts as a form of social capital that fosters economic and social collaborations. Local wisdom serves as a social capital that nurtures the development of fraternity, mutual trust, cooperation, and solidarity. Moreover, it has the capacity to minimize differences and resentments, thereby promoting unity between former GAM combatants and local communities. This unity significantly contributes to the sustainability of peace in Aceh, Indonesia.

Kontribusi Dosen Hukum PTKIN Dalam Penyelesaian Sengketa Adat di Aceh

The existence of Adat in Aceh is getting stronger after the MoU between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement. However, it cannot be denied that customary disputes continue to occur. Lecturers as academics are required to be involved in the customary settlement process because this is a form of lecturer service to the community. This paper aims to look further at the involvement of PTKIN lecturers in Aceh in the customary dispute resolution process. This research resulted from an empirical study using a sociological approach. The sociological approach looks at how the activities of the Acehnese indigenous people contribute to resolving customer disputes. This study focuses on two PTKIN consisting of lecturers at UIN Ar-Raniry and IAIN Lhokseumawe. Data sources were obtained from interviews and observations; data analysis was carried out by means of data reduction obtained from the interviewer, and then analysis was carried out. The results of this study indicate that practically, law lecturers, with their scientific discipline, have contributed to the resolution of customary disputes. The law lecturer at PTKIN has carried out several stages of customary dispute resolution, starting from examining the problem, carrying out mediation, and reviewing legal norms that are used as a reference in dispute resolution. The strategy for resolving disputes is carried out by classifying the problem and bringing it closer to the legal aspect so as to produce a balanced solution both in terms of aspects of religious law and state law. Obstacles and problems that occur are related to the lack of agreement between the parties regarding customary decisions, so the parties choose the path of litigation (court). The litigation route is the last alternative when an agreement cannot be reached through a customary decision.

Pasang Surut Partisipasi Masyarakat Sipil dalam Pembentukan Kebijakan Publik di Aceh

Acehnese Civil Society Organizations have formed policy products, laws, and derivative products, such as the formation of Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh. The government started this law after signing an agreement between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement. However, the public participation has decreased in forming several Qanuns. The study aims to discover why public participation in policy formation in Aceh has decreased the supporting and inhibiting factors. The research was conducted using qualitative methods. Data was collected through literature study and interviews. The research results show the ebb and flow of civil society participation in the formation of public policy: (1) changes in behavior and government institutions, but followed by community apathy due to the lack of feedback on input in the discussion of laws and regulations; (2) increasing the capacity of public institutions or organizations, but followed by a decrease in the number of NGOs that focus on public policy advocacy; (3) ease of public access to information, but no impact on open government management and community welfare; and (4) social changes that support participation of civil society in the formation of laws and regulations. Meanwhile, the results also show the supporting factors, such as the availability of resources and guarantees for fulfilling public rights. The inhibiting factors for ongoing public participation in policy formation consist of the availability of resources, socio-cultural factors, and the lack of feedback or follow-up on public input

Asean Synergy Makes a Mine-Free World in Indonesia

The Convention for the Comprehensive Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, was created with the aim of realizing a "Mine Free World". Indonesia ratified the 1997 Ottawa Convention into Law “Undang- Undang” Number 20 of 2006. As a State Party, Indonesia is bound to comply with all provisions of the convention. Most important is the commitment to protect every citizen of his country from falling victim to anti-personnel mines. During the armed conflict in Aceh, mines were used by both parties, namely the Indonesian Security Forces and the Free Aceh Movement. The indication is the number of victims who were dominated by civilians after the conflict ended. For this reason, the parties are deemed not to comply with and carry out their responsibilities as intended by the conventions and principles of international humanitarian law. The two sides seemed not doing their best to resolve the problems caused by the presence of anti-personnel mines. Therefore, the experience of ASEAN countries that have succeeded in burying their past due to involvement in armed conflict, is very much needed in mediating the problems experienced in Aceh, Indonesia. Experiences like Vietnam and Cambodia are indispensable in initiating an anti-personnel mine clearance agenda whose findings are still ongoing. Then the Philippines as a party to this convention, which has the characteristics of a non-international armed conflict like Indonesia, also needs its contribution in this regard. ASEAN involvement is intended to work together to encourage the two parties to continue the peace agenda in Aceh according to the Helsinki MoU on August 15, 2005 and Law “Undang-Undang” Number 11 of 2006 on Aceh Governance.

Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding as a sluggish policy: A critical discourse analysis with process types

Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government of Indonesia (GoI) and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) celebrated its 18th anniversary in 2023. However, its discursive aspect and efficacy are still under-researched. This article aims to analyze the process types in the Helsinki MoU text and explore the policy implementation of the agreement on the social changes in Aceh. The MoU document was retrieved from the United Nations peacemakers’ website. Mixed methods with descriptive statistics were used to identify, interpret, and explain the data. Hallidayan systemic linguistics was employed to identify the process types and the transitivity patterns. Critical discourse analysis (CDA) as an explanatory critique was applied to critical social analysis. The findings show that the material processes dominated the Helsinki MoU text (73%), followed by the relational processes (18%), and verbal processes (4%). The actors were generally in the form of concepts and sometimes obfuscated. Meanwhile, the goals were also mostly realized by concepts. Explanatory critique reveals that there was a vagueness and hidden power relation between the GoI and GAM in the peace deal. The GoI has also been inconsistent with some of the agendas. The Helsinki MoU has yet to produce comprehensive outcomes for Aceh’s development and has seemingly served as a bureaucratic means of control. The current study has limited itself to the single MoU text. Therefore, for deeper inquiries further research should focus on multiple similar texts and use a different research design, including intertextuality, questionnaires, and interviews.

Soft Power for Aceh Conflict Resolution and Political Decentralization

From various kinds of history originating from Aceh, the tragedy is quite a lot colored by violence. Starting from the Soekarno era to the Megawati era. From each era of government, the handling that was carried out also varied greatly. The dialogue approach began during the Abdurrahman Wahid Administration. There was an agreement between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) that it would stop the violence mediated by HDC. The agreement was the Joint Understanding on Humanitarian Pause for Aceh (Humanitarian Pause Agreement) on May 12, 2000, but the Acehnese people ignored this agreement where the security situation in Aceh was still colored by violence. When the Government of Indonesia changed its leader to become Megawati, acts of violence continued to occur in Aceh and efforts were made again by HDC with the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement on December 12, 2022. However, this was still not able to reduce the acts of violence that occurred. . On May 19, 2003 Aceh was declared under military emergency status. It was only during the reigns of Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Jusuf Kalla that the Aceh conflict was resolved peacefully as evidenced by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in Helsinki on 15 August 2005, which brought Aceh from war to peace.

Harmonization & Conflict

There are many things that made us interested in this book where the book discusses a lot about the conflicts that exist on campus with the community, from this we can learn and also respond as students or the campus knows how to solve problems or solutions. which exists. The conflict incidents in this book can give us practice to prevent this from happening in the future and on other campuses. The theories provided in the studies can also be a source of reference for us as students. In the first chapter of this book, it discusses a university that has many agents of change, there are lecturers as educators or researchers, there are students who are always making changes in thinking and trying new methods and lifestyles, there are administrative and technical staff who have specific managerial and technical skills in supporting the teaching and learning process and managing the entire campus area. Small conflicts have continued to occur throughout the history of the development of this campus. The nuances of conflict between the Unimal campus community and the surrounding gampong community are actually an extension of the vertical and horizontal conflicts that have existed in Aceh for a long time, between the government (central and regional) and the Free Aceh Movement. It is the main discussion in this book. Like the conflict between the residents of the gampong around the campus and Unimal, it has been ongoing and intertwined with the wider conflict, the Aceh conflict which has been going on for quite a long time since 1953 which has put Aceh into a territory that is rebelling against the Central Government. This peace agreement became the initial capital for creating new socio-political conditions in post-conflict Aceh and as a prerequisite for carrying out rehabilitation and reconstruction activities for the area after being hit by the tsunami disaster on December 26, 2004. Several stages in the peace process were successfully passed with generally quite positive results. even unexpectedly; demobilizing GAM and decommissioning its weapons; non-organic redeployment of TNI/POLRI; amnesty for GAM political prisoners; reintegration of former GAM members; the enactment of Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh; and the election of the head of the Aceh administration and local elections at the district and city levels throughout Aceh.

The Hard Power Dan Soft Power Penyelesaian Konflik Aceh (Tahun 1976 – 2005)

The Free Aceh Movement (GAM), declared by Hasan Tiro in 1976, was a form of disappointment caused by the central government's centralism. Not only that, Aceh also supported Indonesia's struggle against the Dutch to maintain independence. Aceh also contributed a considerable amount, even referred to as the capital region of the Republic of Indonesia by Soekarno. The purpose of this research is to find out the state of Aceh before the rebellion of the Free Aceh Movement, the factors that caused the rebellion of the Free Aceh Movement, the rebellion process of the Free Aceh Movement in 1976-2005, and the efforts of the Indonesian government in realising peace in Aceh. The method used is descriptive qualitative method where data is collected through literature study, interviews and documentation. The results showed that economic factors, culture and disappointment in Aceh were the causes of the rebellion. In the next development, the rebellion claimed many victims, especially civilians. In the process towards peace, state leaders have their own ways to achieve peace with the Free Aceh Movement. The peace agreement between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement occurred through negotiations in Helsinki, known as the Helsinki MoU.