Fedhly Averouss Bey, Jakarta – Army chief General Ryamizard Ryacudu says that a resolution to the conflict between the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) doesn’t really need to be achieved through negotiations or a cease-fire. The only way that the conflict will end is if GAM surrenders to the TNI (armed forces).

Ryacudu revealed this to journalists at the army’s headquarters on Jalan Medan Merdeka Utara in Jakarta on Tuesday February 1. “We who are defending the state must use arms, [we] don’t need a cease-fire. It’s preposterous, with [only] 2,000 GAM opponents remaining why should we have a cease-fire.”, he explained.

Because of this he continued, he doesn’t want to know about recent negotiations between the government and the GAM leadership in Helsinki, Finland. Negotiations which were the government’s idea have not resulted any kind of agreement.

“I don’t want to know about the issue of negotiations, I’m not taking part in the negotiations because it’s not my job. I am a professional soldier, getting involved in politics isn’t professional. It’s obvious, GAM surrenders, [and the problem] is solved”, he explained.

Ryacudu also said that defensive actions against GAM have no time limit. “If they keep away from us we’ll leave them alone, but if they trouble us what else can we do we must defend ourselves”, he said. (umi)

[Translated by James Balowski.]