Gayo Lues Official Resigns After Child's Viral 'Flexing' Video Sparks Public Outcry
An official in Gayo Lues, Aceh, has resigned from his position after a video of his child showing off went viral on social media. H. Nevirizal, the Assistant for Aceh Special Autonomy and People’s Welfare (Asisten I) at the Gayo Lues Regional Secretariat, submitted his resignation effective Thursday, 23 July.
“This decision was made with full awareness and responsibility due to the public attention arising from the behaviour of my family member, which has caused controversy and affected public trust in the institution I serve,” Nevirizal stated in Meulaboh, West Aceh.
In a follow-up interview, Nevirizal confirmed that the resignation letter had been submitted to the Vice Regent of Gayo Lues, H. Maliki, in Blangkejeran, as the Regent was away on official duty. He explained the move was taken as a form of moral responsibility for his family member’s actions. As a public official, he bears an ethical responsibility to maintain the integrity and good name of the institution.
“To safeguard the institution’s reputation and to allow the evaluation and improvement process to proceed properly, I have chosen to resign from my current position,” he added. Through the written statement, Nevirizal also apologised to his superiors, colleagues, and the entire community of Gayo Lues for the disturbance caused.
Meanwhile, the owner of the social media account, Dea Arranoya, who is Nevirizal’s biological child, has officially issued a public apology, particularly to the people of Gayo Lues. In an open letter dated 22 July 2026 and signed on stamp duty in Banda Aceh, Dea admitted the mistake regarding the flexing content, which was deemed unwise.
One of the posts that drew public criticism was an upload from 9 December 2025, showing rows of jerry cans filled with fuel, at a time when the public was struggling with economic hardship. Dea stated that the act of showing off in the content was purely due to negligence and immaturity. “I admit my mistake and am not seeking any justification for my actions. Those uploads were purely the result of my negligence, immaturity, and lack of wisdom in using social media,” Dea wrote.