Dudung: Aceh Peace Day unrest does not represent the people

Presidential Chief of Staff Dudung Abdurachman has said the unrest during the 21st anniversary of Aceh Peace Day in Banda Aceh was carried out by a handful of individuals and does not reflect the attitude of the Acehnese people as a whole.

“In my view, it was only a few rogue elements. The people of Aceh are loyal to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia,” Dudung said at the Presidential Palace complex in Jakarta on Monday.

Dudung said certain parties had exploited the momentum of the Aceh Peace Day commemoration, triggering an unconducive situation.

“They took advantage of the situation. Indeed, 15 August is peace day, but there were certain parties who exploited it. It was only a handful,” he said.

He confirmed that the security situation in Aceh has now returned to normal following the unrest that occurred in the area around the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh.

“It is already conducive,” he said.

Dudung said the situation did not last long and the Indonesian red-and-white flag was hoisted again after the unrest.

“It did not last long, and then the red-and-white flag was flying again,” he said.

Previously, unrest broke out during a dhikr and communal prayer event commemorating the 21st anniversary of Aceh Peace Day in the area around the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh on Saturday (15/8).

During the event, a number of people raised the Star and Crescent flag, which is associated with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

The unrest then occurred when security personnel moved to curb the action.

The Aceh Regional Police have stated that they have begun an investigation into the unrest, but have not yet explained in detail the incident or the alleged criminal acts that are the subject of the investigation.

The Aceh government and the Aceh House of Representatives (DPRA) have also agreed to consult with the Ministry of Home Affairs to seek legal certainty regarding the Star and Crescent flag.