Disaster Calls for Cease-Fire in Indonesia Aceh

By Edward Shih

Since Indian Ocean Tsunami occurred, it has already been a week, and the death toll hasn’t stopped rising. In regions, where the tsunami hit the hardest, Indonesia (Aceh), Indonesia government (Banda) has setup rescue centers (Aceh), Australian Military carrier and Indonesia’s military aircraft continuously bring the supply to the disaster area. United States military also uses helicopters to drop food, water, and medical supplies to disaster areas (Aceh and Sri Lanka).

Before the Indonesia faced this hardship, the Indonesian government and the regional Aceh separatist fundamentalist fought one another in the unceasing conflict. A report said that the posture presented by the separatist fundamentalist and the government after the earthquake and tsunami disaster, once again provided the unstable region a string of hope for conflict settlement and peace.

The area that is most affected in the northern part of Indonesia Suma Tera is Aceh. The death toll there might surpass half the total number of death from the countries that has been affected. The heartless wave might be able to break apart the tension and rivalry between Aceh Fundamentalist and the Indonesian government, which would bring peace and hope to the victimized Aceh citizens.

After the earthquake tsunami has land, Indonesian government and Aceh Freedom fundamentalist announced for its troops to cease-fire. While on the run in Sweden, the leader of the Aceh Seperatist Organziation “Aceh Freedom Movement” announced for cease fire, and said that the tsunami might finally allow peace to formulate.

Former Indonesia President Advisor Dewi Fortuna Anwar hopes that this disaster can unite the nation, and that the compassion held towards the Aceh brothers and sisters would allowed the Aceh people to acknowledge that they are a very important member of the Indonesian family.

Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla also stated before that, “We were holding talks with the ‘Freedom Aceh Movement’ before this disaster occurred. We hope this tragedy can stop the conflict from persisting.”

This time the Indian Ocean Tsunami has caused tremendous damage to people, possession loss, but on the other hand allowed the internal conflict of countries such as Sri Lanka, Maldives, Thailand and Indonesia to subside. Instead of fighting with one another, everyone is cooperating and uniting to rescue the victims.

United Nation Secretary General Kofi Annan and United States Secretary of State Colin Powell hope that this incident of serious earthquake and tsunami in Aceh can bring the everlasting peace to the conflict between the Indonesian Government and Aceh region’s separatist fundamentalist organization ‘Aceh Freedom Movement’.

  • Chinese Christian film Sight named one of the best Christian films of 2024

    The Chinese Christian-themed film Sight has been named one of the best Christian films of 2024 by Crosswalk, a North American online platform for Christian resources. The film is based on the true story of Dr. Ming Wang, chronicling his journey from a young boy navigating the harsh realities of China’s Cultural Revolution to becoming a world-renowned ophthalmologist and embarking on a journey of Christian faith.

  • Most Popular Bible Verses for Christmas

    During the Christmas season, Bible readers often turn to well-known passages from Matthew and Luke, along with selections from Isaiah and Psalms. People not only read the familiar stories of Jesus’ birth but also take time to reflect on Psalms and Old Testament prophecies.

  • Pew Report Evaluates Countries with Severe Religious Persecution: Egypt and Syria Top the List

    The Pew Research Center has released its 15th annual Global Restrictions on Religion report, highlighting the pressing challenges to religious freedom worldwide. The report identifies Egypt, Syria, Pakistan, and Iraq as the countries with the most severe restrictions on religious freedom, driven by both government limitations and societal hostility. Religious minorities in these nations face compounded pressures in practicing their faith.

  • One Malaysian Chinese Christian's Reflection on Campus Ministry and the Expanding Passion for the Gospel

    Soh Or Kan, a Malaysian Chinese Christian, looks back on his years of service in the university Christian fellowship with profound reflection. His experiences in the fellowship shaped his understanding of the Gospel mission, expanding it beyond campus boundaries to the wider community.

Top Stories