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The Free Acheh Movement (GAM) which is an anti-government organization, has been active throughout Acheh where the movement of independence from Indonesia has been strengthening. The GAM has announced that more than 10,000 soldiers are participating in the battle, although the number is assumed to be 5,000.
I visited their camp in East Acheh. It took me two weeks to get permission to report. The main reason for the delay was that they did not trust journalists.
“Indonesian journalists don’t write fair reports. They only talk about what’s good for the government and don’t support the independence of Acheh at all.” Said a commander of the GAM who is in charge of his hometown. He added, “It’s not that I don’t trust you, but I have checked up on your conduct in Acheh. I hope you understand that we have our duties as well.”
A spokesperson in his mid 40’s had been provided military training in Libya during the early 90’s, and later lived in Malaysia. He came back home to participate in the independence movement of Acheh.
He said, “You told me that you want to inform the world about what’s happening in Acheh now. I’ll trust you because it’s very important for the independence of our motherland. Please take our photos. I’ll gather my soldiers here tomorrow morning.”
It was raining since morning the next day. I was worried that it might take time for the soldiers to gather since they were in different locations. Fortunately about 50 of them arrived before noon with their arms. An armed female soldier was holding the flag of Acheh.
The surrounding children shouted, “Viva Free Acheh Movement!”
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