From separatism to electoral politics: ethnic mobilization and the transformation of the free Aceh movement after the Helsinki MoU in Indonesia

This study aims to provide new insights into ethnic politics and the transformation of separatist movements based on the experience of Aceh after the Helsinki MoU. Ethnicity was observed to have functioned both as a cultural identity and a strategic political tool in the post-conflict electoral environment. This was because political actors mobilized ethnic identities to build support, consolidate voter bases, and shape electoral competition. The phenomenon led to the identification of ethnicity as an important factor in the configuration of post-conflict democratic politics. Moreover, the focus on the role of former Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members in regional elections reflected the transformation from a separatist movement to formal political actors through the mobilization of Acehnese ethnic symbols to build legitimacy. The findings show an ambiguity where ethnic politics strengthens the integration of former separatists into the democratic system of Indonesia in one aspect and also provides political exclusivity that marginalizes the minority groups. Therefore, this study enriches the literature on the transformation of rebels into political parties and ethnic politics in the context of post-conflict democratization in Indonesia.