The Ballad of Deserters

The Indonesian Military (TNI) and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) claim many of their enemies are defecting to each other. A war of nerves precedes a new war in Aceh.

May 13, 2003

He looks like a boxer: a sturdy man with a crew cut. Rustam, the robust man, claimed he had been an ex-member of GAMs combat troops. Ex-member? Three years ago he deserted the movement aspiring to set up a free Aceh state. Rustam is now working as a guide for Indonesian troops in the Seulimum area of Aceh. His experience in guerrilla warfare in dense jungle makes his job easier. While he is seen to provide valuble service to TNI, at the same time

...

More Articles