DPR Member Calls for Thorough Investigation into Red-and-White Flag Lowering in Aceh
House of Representatives member Bambang Soesatyo has called on law enforcement to investigate the raising of the crescent-and-star flag in the grounds of Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh on Saturday, 15 August 2026.
“Law enforcement must investigate this thoroughly and take firm action against the perpetrators in accordance with the applicable legal provisions,” said Bamsoet in a statement in Jakarta on Sunday, 16 August 2026.
Bamsoet also condemned the lowering of the Red-and-White flag during the incident. In his view, the action has the potential to disrupt the spirit of peace that has been built over the past 21 years.
He stressed that law enforcement must be carried out professionally and proportionately, and must not turn into actions that actually widen the conflict.
According to him, the authorities need to distinguish between members of the public who express their aspirations peacefully and individuals who engage in provocation, violence, vandalism, or actions that demean state symbols and emblems.
Bamsoet believes that an appropriate legal approach is necessary to uphold the authority of the state while preventing the emergence of a perception that Acehnese society as a whole has returned to a vortex of conflict.
“A thorough 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,” he said.
The former Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly also called on the central government, together with the Aceh government, to immediately carry out a comprehensive evaluation so that similar incidents do not recur and to ensure that the aspirations of the Acehnese people can be properly accommodated.
In addition, Bamsoet urged all elements of Acehnese society, from religious leaders, customary leaders, former combatants, community figures, youth, to civil society groups, not to fall into provocation.
“Aceh has already 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 these must be pursued through political, legal and dialogue channels. I call on all parties to exercise restraint, maintain order, and together safeguard peace in Aceh,” he said.
In the context of the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration on Saturday, 15 August 2026, an action took place in which the flag of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), or the crescent-and-star flag, was raised in the grounds of Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh by a crowd, which subsequently led to unrest.