Yusril stresses need for joint solutions to Aceh’s strategic issues

Jakarta (ANTARA) – Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra stressed the importance of finding joint solutions so that Aceh’s long-standing strategic issues can be resolved promptly.

At a coordination meeting in Jakarta on Monday (2 November) to discuss several strategic issues in Aceh, he said resolutions concerning the status of Blang Padang field, the continuation of Aceh’s Special Autonomy Fund (Otsus) and the Aceh flag must prioritise legal certainty, take historical aspects into account and respect Aceh’s special status.

“I think we should not allow old problems to drag on. As far as possible, the issues we face should be resolved promptly so they do not become a burden of history for all of us,” Yusril said, as confirmed in Jakarta on Tuesday.

Regarding the status of Blang Padang field, he explained that the issue had long been a source of disagreement between the Aceh Government and the central government, particularly the Ministry of Defence through Iskandar Muda Military Command.

He said a resolution needed to consider state administrative law, Islamic law, as well as Aceh’s history and special status.

As a way forward, he proposed that the land be designated as waqf (an Islamic charitable endowment) through the Aceh Syar’iyah Court, or by means of waqf confirmation proceedings. An application for this determination could be submitted by the central government or the Governor of Aceh under authority delegated by the President.

If a court confirms the waqf status, Yusril said, the Finance Ministry could proceed with removing the land’s status as State Property in accordance with regulations, enabling it to be managed as waqf land for the benefit of the mosque and the community.

“The President has broadly agreed to this approach to resolving the issue. But perhaps there are other, better suggestions,” he said.

In addition to the Blang Padang issue, the Coordinating Minister for Legal Affairs, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections highlighted the dispute over Aceh’s flag, which has continued since 2013.

He stressed the importance of finding a compromise through mutual understanding, while observing national law and respecting Aceh’s special status.

Yusril referred to Government Regulation No. 77/2007 on Regional Symbols, which governs the use of regional emblems, including a prohibition on using symbols that are substantially similar to certain other symbols.

He said the parties needed to work together to find a solution acceptable to everyone so that the issue would not continue to drag on.

Meanwhile, Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Dudung Abdurachman underscored the need to address Aceh’s strategic issues in a coordinated manner, while ensuring legal certainty, respecting the region’s special status and safeguarding lasting peace.

“Aceh’s peace is a national asset that we must continue to preserve. Respect for Aceh’s special status needs to be realised through equitable development, accountable governance and solutions to problems that maintain public trust,” Dudung said.

At the same meeting, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian outlined progress in discussions on a revision to Law No. 11/2006 on the Governance of Aceh, which was initiated by the House of Representatives (DPR RI).

He said the government had reached agreement on several proposals, but some provisions still required further discussion, particularly the authority to manage natural resources, business licensing, the distribution of central and regional revenues, and the amount of Aceh’s Special Autonomy Fund.

Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, meanwhile, raised several issues concerning the implementation of special autonomy and the use of the Special Autonomy Fund.

He also highlighted the response to flood damage in Aceh, which still required attention, particularly the provision of adequate housing for affected residents and the restoration of infrastructure.

On Aceh’s flag and emblem, Muzakir said the symbols that had been adopted should not be changed, and called on the central government to make a decision soon to provide certainty on the matter.

Through the coordination meeting, the central government and the Aceh Government sought to align their positions and formulate concrete steps to resolve the province’s strategic issues.

The effort is expected to provide legal certainty, respect Aceh’s special status, strengthen regional development, and preserve peace and unity within the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.