THE tsunami that devastated Aceh in 2004 claimed over 150,000 lives. But this natural disaster also served as a pivotal moment in helping the two warring sides in the region to reconnect with their shared humanity.
Opening with the tragic backdrop of the tsunami, a new documentary about the peace process in Aceh titled The Last Accord: War, Apocalypse, and Peace in Aceh examines this important conflict resolution case in South-East Asia.
Produced by Dr Dino Patti Djalal of the Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia, the documentary showcases the efforts of both the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in achieving peace, as well as explores the sentiments and reflections of those in leadership roles.
The documentary’s ability to put a human face on the conflict is its strength. By presenting perspectives from both sides, it goes beyond simply labelling suppressors and victims, and instead uncovers the complex motivations, fears and hopes that fuelled the armed conflict of nearly 30 years.
As it shows, the resource-rich region of Aceh was feeling neglected by the central government in Jakarta, which contributed to the rise of GAM and a seemingly never-ending cycle of violence. The shocking tsunami broke this cycle, shifting their focus from conflict to survival and rebuilding together.
The central theme of the documentary emphasises dignity as a crucial component of peacebuilding.
By highlighting dignity, humanity and the impact of the 2004 tsunami, the documentary provides a balanced perspective that illustrates how history influences the path toward a peaceful future.
In his brief remarks before a screening, Dino Djalal said the Aceh peace process exemplified how conflicting groups can work toward peace while upholding dignity and rediscovering their humanity.
Donna Hicks, in her book about dignity and conflict resolution, argues that the desire for dignity is a fundamental human value. Consequently, restoring dignity is essential for successful peace solutions.
The core part of the documentary hence focuses on the Helsinki peace process, led by former Finnish president Martti Ahtisaari. Unlike previous initiatives, this process emphasised dialogue, respect and the inclusion of all stakeholders.
Ahtisaari’s impartial and compassionate approach created a safe space for both sides to express their concerns and hopes. This led to the conclusion of the 2005 Helsinki MoU, which marked the end of the conflict and a new beginning for Aceh.
This agreement addressed important issues, such as political participation, rule of law, economic development and social reintegration of former combatants.
The documentary outlines the negotiations, underlining the courage and compromise required for resolution. It also explores the emotional journey of leaders who had to overcome deep-seated animosity and fear to embrace peace.
Additionally, it reflects on earlier peace attempts, particularly the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) in 2002, facilitated by the Henry Dunant Centre (HDC).
It is worth noting that while COHA was a significant step, it collapsed after five months due to distrust, unmet expectations and failure to address the conflict’s underlying issues.
The film provides an examination of these shortcomings, offering insights from both sides and highlighting the necessity of addressing emotional wounds in peace efforts.
For those interested in conflict resolutions, the Aceh peace process provides valuable lessons that may be relevant for different parts of the globe.
First, it illustrates the importance of considering the emotional and psychological aspects of conflict. The documentary demonstrates that peace involves more than political agreements; it requires healing hearts and restoring dignity.
Second, it emphasises the need for inclusivity and transparency in peace negotiations. In critical moments, an honest facilitator can jump in the discussions to offer valuable insights to bridge differences. This approach not only strengthens the credibility of the peace agreement but also lays the groundwork for long-term development and social cohesion.
Third, a rare and unexpected outlier event – or a black swan event, to use the term coined by Nassim Taleb – can serve as catalysts for change. In Aceh’s case, this was the tsunami: Disasters can allow for healing by changing what people care about and boosting empathy.
Ultimately, the Aceh peace process shows Indonesia’s commitment to peace, both internally and externally. By resolving the Aceh conflict, the country demonstrated it could “walk the talk”, building on its past experiences in facilitating peace talks such as in southern Philippines.
The film producers deserve praise for this historical account, presented in a moving documentary as a key resource for peace advocacy.
It can help prevent “dementia” toward history, where societies forget important lessons and fall easily into repeating past errors.
This documentary also serves as a reminder that peace is possible, even in difficult circumstances, when dignity and humanity are given importance. — The Jakarta Post/ANN
Adam M. Tugio is a senior diplomat and a member of the Governing Council of the Asean Institute for Peace and Reconciliation.
