Bamsoet Calls for Law Enforcement and Unity on Aceh Peace Day
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives from the Golkar Party faction, Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet), has strongly condemned the unrest that marked the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration in the area of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh. The unrest broke out after a group of people lowered the Indonesian flag from its pole and then raised the Star and Crescent flag.
The incident subsequently escalated into clashes with security forces, including stone-throwing and the use of tear gas.
“I strongly condemn the act of lowering the Indonesian flag as well as removing and trampling on the state symbol of the Garuda Pancasila during the Aceh Peace Day commemoration. Such actions are highly provocative and have the potential to damage the spirit of peace that has been painstakingly built over 21 years,” said Bamsoet on Sunday (16/8/2026).
“Law enforcement authorities must investigate this thoroughly and take firm action against the perpetrators in accordance with the applicable legal provisions,” he continued.
Bamsoet stressed that law enforcement must be carried out professionally and proportionately, and must not turn into actions that actually widen the conflict.
Authorities need to distinguish between members of the public expressing their aspirations peacefully and individuals engaging in provocation, violence, vandalism, or actions that demean state symbols and emblems.
An appropriate legal approach will uphold the authority of the state while preventing the impression from emerging that Acehnese society as a whole is returning to a vortex of conflict.
“A comprehensive investigation must be conducted professionally, objectively and transparently. The actions of a handful of people must not be generalised as the attitude of the entire Acehnese community,” said the 20th Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives.
“I believe the majority of the Acehnese people greatly value peace and understand that Aceh’s future is far more important than clinging to symbols of past conflict. Aspirations may be expressed, criticism may be given, but everything must be done within the corridors of the law and without violence,” he added.
Bamsoet called on the central government together with the Aceh Provincial Government to immediately conduct a thorough evaluation of the incident. The evaluation is needed so that similar incidents do not recur, while also ensuring that the aspirations of the Acehnese people can be properly accommodated.
In addition, all elements of Acehnese society, from religious leaders, customary leaders, former combatants, community figures, youth to civil society groups, were also urged not to be trapped by provocation. Two decades of peace in Aceh represent a historical asset too precious to be jeopardised by momentary acts of provocation.
“Aceh has proven that differences and conflict can be resolved through the negotiating table. If there are still issues regarding the implementation of Aceh’s special autonomy, welfare, natural resources, infrastructure, or other matters that are felt to be unresolved, all of them must be pursued through political, legal and dialogue channels,” said the Deputy Chairman of the Golkar Party.
“I ask all parties to exercise restraint, maintain order, and together safeguard peace in Aceh,” he concluded.