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Aceh rights groups condemn armed peace day response

BANDA ACEH, thekabarnews.com—Two Indonesian human rights organizations have strongly criticized security forces’ response to unrest during the 21st anniversary of Aceh Peace Day. They warn that an...

Kusnadi Assaini

August 16, 2026 3 Min Read

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BANDA ACEH, thekabarnews.com—Two Indonesian human rights organizations have strongly criticized security forces’ response to unrest during the 21st anniversary of Aceh Peace Day. They warn that an armed approach could revive memories of the province’s decades-long conflict.

The confrontation occurred around Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Residents had gathered there for prayers, speeches and activities commemorating the Helsinki peace agreement.

Participants initially displayed white flags. Some members of the crowd raised the crescent-and-star flag historically associated with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Reports from the scene said security personnel attempted to stop the flag-raising, which is leading to resistance and clashes.

Some participants allegedly threw objects and pursued officers after warning shots were fired. Reports also indicated that someone set a military motorcycle on fire.

Independent sources have not confirmed the precise sequence of events, the number of warning shots or the extent of any injuries. This situation remained unchanged at the time of this report.

Aulianda Wafisa, director of the Banda Aceh Legal Aid Institute (LBH Banda Aceh), described the deployment and use of armed personnel against residents expressing political demands as disproportionate.

She argued that Acehnese residents should have space to assemble, express opinions and evaluate the peace process.



They should be able to do so without facing an intimidating security response, as quoted by Kompas.

Aulianda said authorities should address political demands and regional symbols through democratic dialogue. In contrast, she said they should not treat them primarily as security threats.

The crescent-and-star flag remains a politically and legally sensitive symbol. Aceh’s legislature adopted it as the provincial flag through a 2013 regional regulation. Yet, the central government has not approved its use because of its resemblance to the former GAM flag, as explained in this Detik report.

KontraS Aceh coordinator Azharul Husna also questioned the security operation leading up to the commemoration.

She said officers conducted checks on residents traveling along several routes toward Banda Aceh. This reflected what the organization considered excessive suspicion of the public.

KontraS further criticized the alleged use of warning shots and physical force against members of the crowd.

“Do not return Aceh to its past trauma,” the organization warned.

Neither the presence of controversial symbols nor tension within the crowd, the rights groups argued, removes the authorities’ responsibility to apply lawful, necessary and proportionate measures.

LBH Banda Aceh and KontraS Aceh called on the government and security agencies to prioritize persuasion, de-escalation and open communication.

The anniversary marks the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Indonesian government and GAM in Helsinki on August 15, 2005.





The agreement sought to resolve the Aceh conflict through a “peaceful, comprehensive, sustainable and dignified” process. Finland’s Foreign Ministry recorded the signing as a new beginning for Acehnese people. This allowed them to live in a peaceful, just and democratic society.

As of publication, police and military authorities had not issued a sufficiently detailed public account. Their public account did not address each allegation raised by LBH and KontraS.

An impartial investigation—including a review of video recordings, operational orders and witness testimony—is necessary to establish responsibility. The action is key to prevent further escalation.

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📌 Aceh rights groups condemn armed peace day response (Kalbar)
🏢 The Kabar News
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