Police Confirm Situation Conducive After 21st Aceh Peace Day Commemoration
Aceh Regional Police have confirmed that the situation following the zikir and joint prayer commemorating the 21st Aceh Peace Day at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh is under control and conducive.
Head of Public Relations of Aceh Regional Police, Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto, said that although a disturbance occurred during the event, the situation was quickly brought under control by security forces.
“The zikir ceremony at the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration at Baiturrahman Grand Mosque has concluded. Although a disturbance occurred during the zikir, the situation was quickly brought under control and remains conducive,” Joko said in a statement on Saturday (15/8).
Joko said the situation was handled promptly thanks to the cooperation of the TNI-Polri with all parties, including the public. He expressed appreciation for the awareness of residents who helped de-escalate the situation until conditions returned to safety.
To date, joint personnel remain on standby around the location. The guard is maintained to ensure security as well as to provide a sense of safety and comfort to the public.
According to Joko, the TNI-Polri will also increase patrols in several areas of Aceh. The authorities, he said, will continue to be present with the community to maintain security and order.
“Peace belongs to all of us. Let us nurture it by maintaining unity, respecting one another, and together creating a peaceful and conducive Aceh,” Joko said.
Disturbance over flag raising
Earlier, a disturbance broke out in the courtyard of Baiturrahman Grand Mosque after a crowd raised the star-and-crescent flag on the mosque’s main pole.
According to CNNIndonesia.com monitoring, authorities initially asked the crowd not to raise the star-and-crescent flag, but the crowd proceeded to raise it anyway.
As a result, a clash involving throwing objects between the authorities and the crowd spread to the road area in front of the grand mosque. The authorities were also forced to disperse the crowd by firing tear gas.