By: Teuku Rasya)
The post-disaster recovery efforts following the floods and landslides that have hit Aceh since late 2025 continue to be intensified by the central government in collaboration with local governments, the TNI–Polri, national agencies, and various elements of society. Amid the determined efforts to rebuild the social and economic lives of affected communities, a strong consensus has emerged among residents: rejecting all forms of divisive efforts, including the emergence of narratives or symbols that could potentially revive separatist agendas during a period of mourning and recovery.
Various reports indicate that the emergency response phase in many parts of Aceh has now transitioned into a recovery phase, with the government focusing on rehabilitating public facilities, repairing infrastructure, and restoring basic services. In this phase, the tangible presence of the state and cross-sector coordination are key to ensuring that daily life can return to normal and that socio-economic activities can grow again.
Commander of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), General Agus Subiyanto, emphasized the role of the TNI and all state elements in supporting the ongoing recovery process. Agus stressed that all national forces—from defense apparatus and government institutions to local communities—are currently focused on the same objective: restoring community life after the floods, not opening space for provocative actions that could disrupt social stability and slow recovery efforts. This statement reflects the firm stance of the TNI that any actions potentially diverting public attention from humanitarian agendas and social revival will be addressed in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, in order to protect the people and accelerate Aceh’s recovery.
The people of Aceh themselves have strongly voiced their commitment to maintaining a conducive environment in their region. From North Aceh to Aceh Tamiang, communities have firmly rejected the presence of symbols historically associated with separatist narratives or secessionist agendas. This stance is not merely an emotional reaction, but a reflection of collective awareness that the ongoing recovery process—from normalizing public services to repairing educational facilities—must proceed without ideological disruptions that could fracture unity. This was clearly demonstrated when communities asserted that public spaces must remain free from symbols that could sharpen social frictions during the recovery period.
Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General (Mar) Freddy Ardianzah, emphasized that the TNI’s approach in such situations always prioritizes dialogue and persuasion, while remaining firm against actions that potentially violate the law or threaten sovereignty and national unity. Freddy explained that the dispersal of a mass action displaying separatist movement symbols in Lhokseumawe was carried out in accordance with legal provisions, and was also an effort to keep public spaces conducive to Aceh’s socio-economic recovery. This approach shows that the state is present not only as an enforcer of stability, but also as a key facilitator for communities to rise together after disaster.
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian also reaffirmed the central government’s commitment to ensuring that all recovery processes in Aceh proceed in a coordinated and well-directed manner, and are not exploited by any group with hidden agendas that could undermine unity. On various occasions, Tito has stated that accelerating the restoration of infrastructure, government services, and the regional economy in affected areas is the top priority, and that the government has deployed human and fiscal resources optimally to achieve this goal. These steps reflect a strong and consistent state presence in safeguarding social stability while accelerating post-disaster recovery.
Not only physical aspects are receiving government attention. Recent updates also show that the food sector, education, and basic services are steadily being restored. For example, the Coordinating Minister for Food Affairs has directly inspected post-disaster recovery efforts in the food sector to ensure food security and the revitalization of agricultural land and fisheries can resume. Such initiatives are crucial to ensuring that the people of Aceh not only return to normal life, but also receive long-term guarantees for their basic needs.
The establishment of a central post-disaster management command post in Banda Aceh has further strengthened national coordination in Aceh’s recovery. This command post serves as an integrated control center to ensure that all recovery stages—from rehabilitation to reconstruction—are carried out in a targeted and well-directed manner. Its presence also underscores that the legitimate government holds a central role in completing the overall recovery agenda.
The voices of Acehnese residents rejecting separatist provocations, combined with concrete government actions to accelerate the restoration of infrastructure and public services, demonstrate strong synergy between the state and society in facing post-disaster challenges. This attitude reflects collective maturity that prioritizes unity, humanitarian values, and sustainable development over divisive narratives.
With a combination of firm and measured policies and strong community commitment to unity and recovery, Aceh is showing positive and inspiring signs of revival. Amid major post-disaster challenges, the spirit of mutual cooperation and full support for national ideals serve as a strong foundation for achieving a better future. The central government and all stakeholders continue to be present, working and collaborating to ensure that Aceh rises stronger.
*) The author is a Social Observer