Building U.S.-Indonesia Mutual Understanding Since 1994

In the Aftermath of Peace: Hope and Struggle in Aceh

Five years since the Helsinki Agreement brought peace to Aceh, the province has undergone enormous social and political changes. Filmmaker Sandeep Ray talked to the Acehnese about their frustrations and aspirations over a period of 10 months, culminating in a 40-minute film that was first screened in Jakarta in May 2010. In the Aftermath of Peace: Hope and Struggle in Aceh (Indonesian w/English subtitles), features candid comments from former GAM separatists, widows of combatants, village leaders, government officials, NGO workers and political analysts (Rizal Sukma, Sidney Jones, Lilianne Fan). The film probes some of the important questions pertaining to this nascent post-conflict region: Has compensation been fair and adequate? What has been the impact of development and reconstruction assistance? Is there a possibility of Aceh relapsing into conflict? Weaving in interviews, news clips, and contemporary footage, the documentary explores the complicated and sensitive issues of compensation, reintegration and peace-building.

Please join us for a brown bag lunch on Tuesday, December 7th from 12:30 to 2:00 pm with Sandeep Ray to watch and discuss his documentary, In the Aftermath of Peace: Hope and Struggle in Aceh.