Conflict Transformation and Social Reconciliation: The Case of Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper will discuss conflict transformation in Aceh and analyzes it in the international, structural, actor, issues, and personal contexts. The data show that the five contexts are supportive of the transformation of conflict from an armed rebellion and peaceful referendum to social reconciliation. The Aceh case shows also the complexity of the reconciliation that includes three parties: the GAM (Free Aceh Movement), which emphasizes politico-economic redistribution; the Islamic community, which demands the impelementation of Syariah (Islamic laws); and the central government, which determines to preserve the territorial integrity. The agreement and new law were impelemented and resulted in compromise and consensus in socio-political spheres in the new Aceh.