Peace in Aceh could mean economic growth for the province
A peace accord has finally been signed between the GAM and the Indonesian government. Aceh is the northern most province in Indonesia and strongly Muslim. For the last 30 years it has fought for independence. The signing of the agreement took place in Helsinki on Monday watched by President SBY on TV from Jakarta.
The new agreement insists the GAM give up calls for independence, but does give them more local freedoms including getting rid of all outside troops in the province. In a recent interview President SBY said the peace was "a victory for the Acehnese, who have suffered for so long." "We now have a golden opportunity to change Aceh for good. We cannot afford to squander it, because a chance for permanent peace does not come often in history." he said.
The President is not the only one looking forward to a better future. Exxon Mobil are licking their lips at all the liquefied gas sitting under Aceh. It would be nice if the oil revenue was tied to infrastructure development. Tell these foreign companies 'You want to drill here, okay, we want a new highway here, or a new hospital.' In Alaska every state resident gets an oil dividend of $1,100 per year. Maybe the Acehese should get 1m rp each a year to help kick start their own economy after the tsunami.
By Nick | Permalink
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Comments
I think part of the agreement call for 70%(Local Govt.) & 30%(Central Govt.) profit sharing for the natural resources development in Aceh. This is unprecedented in Indonesia’s history. The agreement will also allow regional-only political party (such as GAM) to participate in the regional elections. The sad part is even if GAM’s people get elected, the majority of Acehnese won’t feel the impact of that 70% profit sharing.
G’Day Nick,
Like your thinking regarding dividends. But hey, this is Indonesia we are talking about!. The government don’t like parting with money and as far as the major foreign oil companies are concerned, who will they pay the dividend to?.
If it’s paid to a village head who then distributes it, then here starts the vicious corruption cycle.
Aceh would be far better off with Independance both economically trade-wise and financially sound. After all, that’s where the black gold is.