Even though he is of Acehnese royal blood, suspicions that he plans to have his son succeed him have not endeared him to others in the movement. A more Muslim and more democratic faction of Aceh Merdeka is led by Husainy Hasan, who is believed to be in Malaysia. Although Aceh Merdeka will accept nothing short of an Indonesian withdrawal, plenty of other Acehnese will. For example, the influential student movement backs a referendum on independence. But despite appearing divided, one thing the Acehnese will not do is give up.
Revenge can be a long time coming.