Resident Evil at the Gate of the Holy Land: Brewing Socio-politico Tensions in Post-conflict Aceh

Abstract

The post-conflict status conferred to Aceh constitutes a paradox due to the existence of different forms of contestation on the ground that fuel tensions and minor violence because of the existence of absence of a context-specific conflict transformation mechanism in post-war environment. This chapter argues that conflict is ever-present, therefore, inherent, despite the disappearance of insurgency and the demobilization of GAM as a militant organization in Aceh. Using rich and original ethnographic data, this chapter exposes the various pockets of conflict and tensions at the community level in post-war Aceh. The grievances of excluded minority groups are often neglected due to their powerlessness and minor political value from the viewpoint of the ruling elites. This chapter concludes that although the grievances of powerless groups may have legitimacy, they do not have the agency to wage violence and destroy the current state of peace in Aceh. The Government of Indonesia is apparently in control of the politico-security landscape and has indisputable military capacity to curtail potentially emerging rebellion or security threats in Aceh—a situation similar to the period before settlement, but with weaker groups facing repression.