Warning: This article is my personal opinion. I write what I feel.
Flag of the Aceh Sultanate. Source: Wikipedia
In the Dutch colonial period, the Kingdom of Aceh began to weaken. Nevertheless, the Aceh and Dutch Wars were carried out in groups or individuals by the people of Aceh. This war lasted between 1873-1904. And this is the fastest war conducted by the Dutch in Indonesia. The Dutch failed to control all of Aceh. This is very different from other areas colonized by the Dutch in Indonesia. Imagine, the Netherlands was in Aceh only 31 years old, while other parts of Indonesia (part of the opinion) Dutch colonized for about 300 years. This is also one of the reasons why they are proud to be Acehnese.
Aceh Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF)
Flag of Aceh. Source: Wikipedia
According to wikipedia ASNLF or Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM) is a separatist organization with a goal to get Aceh out of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. The conflict between the Indonesian government and GAM resulting from this disagreement has taken place since 1976 and caused the fall of almost 15,000 people. In these times, armed conflict often occurred between the Indonesian army and the rebel army. I am fortunate not to experience directly this armed conflict. Perhaps, there are some Steemians here who have experienced direct violence by the Indonesian army. When this conflict occurred, we were very frightened to see the Indonesian army. They often sweep to the villages, and beat innocent people.
Many young Acehnese were abducted by soldiers and they never went home. They are accused of being involved in rebel groups. I think this rebellion happened because the Indonesian government in Jakarta never thought about the fate of the Acehnese people. Whereas Aceh's natural resources rich in minerals and gas have been gradually dredged. The result of such wealth is never felt by the people of Aceh. The poverty rate in Aceh is the lowest in comparison to other provinces in Indonesia. Who is not disappointed when getting that bad treatment?
Peace Between GAM and Indonesia
The peace agreement between GAM / ASNLF and the Government of Indonesia was signed in Helsinki, Finland, August 15, 2005. Indonesia was represented by Justice and Human Rights Minister Hamid Awaludin, while GAM sent Malik Mahmud Al Haytar to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). One point of the agreement is to give Aceh a special law governing their government. This particular law does not exist in other provinces in Indonesia. In addition, Aceh also has local political parties, Aceh gains greater natural wealth, and other privileges.
All the rebels joined in GAM have returned to become Indonesian citizens. The government has also forgiven their mistakes. However, other problems arise. Sometimes the Indonesian Government violates several agreements. This is another reason why (some people of Aceh) are still very difficult to trust Indonesia. They often lie.
My Position
I am Acehnese. I have an Indonesian identity card. I also have an Indonesian passport. I am an Indonesian government employee who works as a teacher. I was able to write into Indonesian very well. I am the author of Indonesia. I am a weak man overshadowed by a pseudo-power. In my heart, I also do not like the corrupt Indonesian Government. Indonesian rotten politicians have destroyed Indonesia. Sometimes I am ashamed to be Indonesian because of them.