PDIP Regrets Incident During Flag Raising in Aceh
The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) has expressed regret over alleged repressive actions by security forces in response to an incident involving the raising of the Crescent and Star flag in Aceh ahead of the 81st anniversary of Indonesian independence. The party said security personnel must remain calm and be able to assess the context of an event.
PDIP Secretary-General Hasto Kristiyanto stressed that the form of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) and the country’s sovereign territory are final and recognised under international law. He said that handling dynamics in regions such as Aceh and Papua must take into account their social, political and sociological context. All parties, he said, must continue to prioritise dialogue rather than gunfire.
“The form of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia, as reflected in the country’s sovereign territory, is final and recognised under international law. So when there are issues such as those in Aceh, we must look at the context,” Hasto told reporters on Monday (17/8/2026).
Hasto highlighted reports that security forces fired warning shots near a place of worship while responding to the raising of a local flag in Aceh. According to Hasto, the flag-raising took place amid the spiritual atmosphere of Acehnese society commemorating a moment of peace.
“We regret that violence occurred, including gunfire at a place of worship whose sanctity we should protect. Security forces must keep a cool head and look at the context,” Hasto said.
Hasto reminded that peace in the ‘Veranda of Mecca’ was achieved through a long process and at a very high social cost, especially after the tsunami disaster. Therefore, if there is expression of aspirations or criticism from the public, it should be handled through mediation with local leaders or religious figures at places of worship.
“Dialogue is the way to resolve any issue in the best possible manner. Who knows, the root of the problem may be an accumulation of various injustices whose outlets have been blocked,” Hasto said.
Hasto also mentioned complaints from regions regarding budget transfer cuts and less than smooth fund disbursement. He said these matters are often not accurately reported to the President.
“PDI Perjuangan also urges all parties to exercise restraint and return every regional dynamic to the spirit of deliberation and consensus in order to maintain national unity,” Hasto said.
Meanwhile, the Aceh Regional Police have begun investigating the disturbance that occurred during the commemoration of the 21st anniversary of Aceh Peace Day in the area of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, on Saturday (15/8/2026).
“The Aceh Regional Police are conducting an investigation into yesterday’s incident at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque,” Aceh Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan said in Banda Aceh on Monday.
Ruddi made the statement to reporters after attending the 81st Indonesian Independence Day ceremony at Blang Padang field in Banda Aceh.
The police chief did not provide detailed explanation of the incident or the alleged criminal acts that are the subject of the police investigation.
The disturbance occurred during a dhikr and joint prayer event commemorating the 21st anniversary of Aceh Peace Day in the area of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque on Saturday (15/8/2026).
During the event, a number of people raised the Crescent and Star flag, which is associated with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).
The disturbance then occurred when security forces took action against the flag-raising.
The Aceh Government and the Aceh House of Representatives (DPRA) previously agreed to consult with the Ministry of Home Affairs to seek legal certainty regarding the Crescent and Star flag.
Aceh Qanun Number 3 of 2013 on the Flag and Emblem of Aceh stipulates the Crescent and Star flag as the Aceh flag. However, implementation of the provisions regarding the flag has remained a point of contention between the Aceh Government and the central government since 2013.
Ruddi said the security situation in Aceh returned to being conducive on Saturday afternoon after security forces, together with the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and other relevant elements, carried out security measures.
“Alhamdulillah, thanks to collaboration with TNI stakeholders, the situation is very conducive,” he said.
The police chief also expressed gratitude to the public and all elements involved in maintaining security after the disturbance.
“As the Aceh Police Chief, I would like to express my deepest gratitude for the support of the entire community and all TNI stakeholders. We were able to secure the Aceh region. May Aceh always be peaceful and prosperous,” he said.
Ruddi said the Aceh Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) will conduct regular analysis and evaluation to maintain security and peace in Aceh.