ACEH — Chairman of the Aceh Amnesty Institution, Pon Cina, has spoken out in response to a statement by the Central Executive Spokesperson of the Aceh Transitional Committee (KPA), Jack Libiya, who said there was no instruction from the KPA to raise the Crescent Star flag. According to Pon Cina, the statement appears reactive and does not reflect the reality on the ground in Acehnese society.
Pon Cina emphasized that the flying of the Crescent Star flag is a genuine expression of the will of the Acehnese people, not the result of instructions from the KPA Central Executive or any particular group. Therefore, he considers it inappropriate to accuse the Acehnese public of being provoked by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) based overseas.
“This is purely the desire of the Acehnese people. There is no need for instructions from the KPA Central Executive. Accusing the Acehnese of being provoked shows a lack of sensitivity to the feelings of the people,” Pon Cina said firmly.
Furthermore, Pon Cina expressed the deep disappointment felt by the Acehnese community toward the state, especially amid the natural disasters currently affecting the region. He said the public feels abandoned and has not received serious attention from the central government.
“The Acehnese people are facing disasters, but what they experience are only promises and empty words. Assistance is not given wholeheartedly. Even when other countries are ready to help, it is blocked on the grounds that the state is capable of handling it on its own. This is what hurts the feelings of the Acehnese people,” he stated.
In addition to criticizing the statement by the KPA Central Executive’s spokesperson, Pon Cina also highlighted the stance of the Indonesian National Armed Forces Information Center (Puspen TNI). He expressed regret over statements that he believes defend TNI personnel suspected of wrongdoing.
According to Pon Cina, the TNI is the protector of the people and a respected institution that should uphold justice and truth. Therefore, he urged that the mistakes of individual personnel should not be covered up under the pretext of protecting the institution’s good name.
“If it is wrong, then it is wrong. Do not sacrifice the great name and honor of the TNI just to defend one individual. The TNI belongs to the people and must stand on the side of truth,” he stressed.
Pon Cina concluded his statement by expressing hope that all parties political elites, security forces, and the central government will be more sensitive to the voices and suffering of the Acehnese people, especially amid the current crisis and disaster situation.
