The Absurdity of Acehnese Identity Politics in the Post-Peace Democracy Process

Abstract

Through a qualitative approach, this paper refers to a theoretical approach based on empirical phenomena regarding strengthening Aceh's identity politics in the post-peace democracy process. First, the constructivism approach explains that GAM can institutionalize itself democratically through political parties and even emerge as a new post-peace political elite. Second, the instrumentalism approach explains that GAM's political identity or ideology is increasingly integrative or blends with the awareness of Indonesian nationalism. Third, the provincialism approach shows that the Helsinki MoU agreement under Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh has not become a new way of crystallizing identity politics as necessary in a pluralistic Indonesian order. In this preference, empirically, the demoralization of GAM's ideology has not entirely disappeared because political identity in the frame of GAM's doctrine has become the main attraction in strengthening its existence so that it continues to survive. Local parties that should maintain Aceh's identity politics as a mandate for peace agreement seem disoriented. The reality of democracy has not substantially sided with the people. GAM combatants could present themselves as political identities in consolidating electoral democracy. Local parties, especially the Aceh Party as GAM identities, experienced delegitimization in electability during three periods of contestation. Still, political identity was more associated with the formation or hegemony of power. Identity politics is more than just affirming plurality, culture, customs, language, values, and depictions of religiously coded instruments as primary protectors; on the contrary, in principle, the benefits of democracy and peace lead to the consolidation of local political systems. The central Government's commitment to finalizing several regulations is considered inconsistent, so the form of Aceh's identity politics seems even more absurd.