Building Blocks and Stumbling Blocks: Peacebuilding in Aceh, 2005–2009

Abstract

The 2005 Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement formally brought an end to nearly thirty years of violent conflict in Aceh. Since then, Aceh has been largely peaceful, and major strides have been made in laying the groundwork for lasting peace and social and economic recovery and development in the province. The Indonesian government and international donors have supported a variety of programs to assist with the reintegration of conflict actors and recovery of conflict-affected individuals and communities, while the revised revenue-sharing arrangement between Aceh and the central government provides an opportunity for the government and people of Aceh to “build back better.”