West Aceh Regent Meets Kopassus Chief to Bolster Food Security
West Aceh Regent Tarmizi held a meeting with the Commanding General of the Army Special Forces Command (Kopassus), Lieutenant General Djon Afriandi, at Kopassus Headquarters in Cijantung, Jakarta, in an effort to strengthen food security and agricultural support in the region. Tarmizi stated the meeting served not only as a cordial visit but also as a strategic momentum to tighten collaboration in supporting regional development and community service. During the meeting, the parties discussed efforts to accelerate and continue vital infrastructure projects in West Aceh, namely the continuation of the Lhok Guci irrigation development, which has been a crucial water source for agricultural land in the district. Tarmizi explained that the Director General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Public Works, Dwi Purwantoro, had previously inspected West Aceh and expressed the central government’s readiness to disburse a budget of approximately Rp1 trillion to complete the Lhok Guci irrigation project. However, the plan was hampered following a major flood disaster in Aceh, which led to a budget refocusing to zero, coinciding with a change in the Director General’s office. Additionally, the local government also discussed the construction of a retention pond for Meulaboh city, which is urgently needed to address flooding problems in the city centre and residential areas. Tarmizi noted that the strong personal connection between Lieutenant General Djon Afriandi and Bumi Teuku Umar provides a fresh impetus for accelerating this development. Responding to the region’s aspirations, Lieutenant General Djon Afriandi expressed his readiness to oversee the development agenda in West Aceh by building cross-sectoral communication with several relevant ministries. Tarmizi added that the Kopassus chief feels a moral responsibility towards West Aceh, having previously served there, and is fully prepared to support and assist the district, including communicating its needs to various ministries.