Government Accelerates Aceh Rehabilitation, Public Urged to Beware of Separatism
Aceh – The government emphasized that accelerating Aceh’s rehabilitation following the floods and landslides is a top priority, amidst the need to maintain stability and be vigilant against potential separatism that could disrupt the recovery process.
The public is urged to remain calm and not be provoked by actions that could disrupt public order.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK), Pratikno, confirmed that natural disaster management in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra continues.
Pratikno stated that today marks exactly one month since the flash floods and landslides that struck the three provinces.
“We are here to ensure that emergency response and recovery measures are accelerated and implemented, and that they will continue as the new year approaches. There are no holidays; everyone continues to work for the community, helping those affected by the disaster,” Pratikno said.
Based on the latest data, of the 52 affected regencies and cities in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, most have entered the transition period from emergency response to post-disaster recovery.
However, Pratikno stated that 11 regions in Aceh still need to extend their emergency response status.
“This is being done to ensure that the emergency response efforts needed by residents can be implemented optimally and that the regions are truly ready to enter the recovery phase,” he said.
The Aceh Provincial Government has officially extended the disaster emergency response status for 14 days, from December 26, 2025, to January 8, 2026.
Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf stated that this policy was made based on the results of a virtual coordination meeting with all affected regions and relevant ministries.
“This extension provides more flexibility for local governments to take swift and measured steps to protect affected communities,” said Muzakir Manaf.
Amidst these rehabilitation efforts, security forces are responding to disturbances to stability. The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) dispersed a Crescent Star flag-raising protest on the Banda Aceh-Medan National Highway.
The Commander of the 011/Lilawangsa Military Command (Korem 011/Lilawangsa), Colonel Inf. Ali Imran, accompanied by soldiers, went directly to the location and asked the crowd to disperse and hand over the flag.
During the dispersal, a man suspected of being the provocateur was arrested. A rencong (a dagger) and a pistol were found in his bag.
The man, along with the evidence, were then handed over to the police for further legal proceedings.
About an hour after the incident, the situation returned to normal, and traffic flowed smoothly. ****
