Jusuf Kalla Highlights Unrest in Aceh, Urges Public to Uphold Helsinki Peace

Former Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia and Aceh Peace Figure Jusuf Kalla has highlighted the unrest that occurred in Banda Aceh alongside the commemoration of 21 years of peace in Aceh. JK assessed that the incident does not reflect the wishes of the majority of Acehnese people who have long enjoyed peaceful conditions following the Helsinki agreement.

JK said that the 21st anniversary of Aceh peace, which fell on 15 August 2026, should have been a moment to remember the success of resolving a prolonged conflict through peaceful means. “Initially it was actually the 21st commemoration. It happens that the Helsinki MoU was signed on 15 August 2005, so now it has been 21 years. It was commemorated with prayers and dhikr at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque,” Jusuf Kalla told journalists at his residence on Jalan Brawijaya, South Jakarta, on Saturday afternoon (15/08/2026).

However, according to JK, the situation subsequently developed after demonstrations emerged and the raising of a certain flag drew the attention of security forces. He said the TNI and Polri apparatus sought to prevent the situation from developing into open conflict.

“The security forces, police and TNI certainly rejected or tried to ensure that no riot occurred, let alone the raising of the flag. No conflict occurred,” he said.

JK assessed that the matter was more related to internal dynamics among groups in Aceh, rather than a form of rejection of the central government. He noted that there are some groups who feel dissatisfied with the leadership in the region.

“This is an expression of displeasure and also the lingering desires of groups that, although small, can provoke the community there,” he said.