Aceh Leader Sheds Tears at Grandfather's Grave

TEMPO Interactive, Aceh:Teungku Muhammad Hasan Di Tiro, known as the supreme leader of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), was visibly moved when he visited his grandfather's grave, national hero Teungku Chik Di Tiro, in Mureu village, Greater Aceh last week, a day after landing at Sultan Iskandar Muda Airport.The 83 year-old GAM founder was accompanied by former GAM leaders like Malek Mahmud, Zaini Abdullah and other former GAM combatants. Aceh governor Irwandi Yusuf and Greater Aceh regent Bukahari Daud were also seen present.Following the visit to his grandfather's grave, Hasan di Tiro had lunch with orphans and widows and other victims of the conflict. Hundreds of people crowded the site to catch sight of their leader, who spent 30 years of exile in the US and Sweden because of the armed conflict in Aceh.An emotional Hasan Tiro greeted and thanked people. "I have arrived in Aceh," he said in Acehnese.Hasan Tiro, who is unable to speak for a long period of time, asked Malek Mahmud to convey his messages. Hasan Tiro said the Aceh public must always maintain peace, "even though I died tomorrow."Hasan Tiro also took time to visit the tomb of Sultan Iskandar Muda, who led the Aceh kingdom in the early 17th century.According to Malek Mahmud, Hasan Tiro will stay in Aceh for two weeks, but little is known on whether the former GAM leader will stay in Aceh permanently. "It is up to him," he said.ADI WARSIDI