By: Andhika Rachma )*
Amidst the national focus on post-disaster recovery in Aceh, the public needs to increase vigilance against separatist provocations utilizing social media. Recently, a video circulated on the TikTok platform from the accounts @uncle.mus7 and @bang_brewok, allegedly inviting Indonesian citizens in Malaysia to raise funds to purchase weapons for a treasonous movement in Aceh. This pattern demonstrates a systematic effort to infiltrate narratives of old conflicts into the digital space, potentially disrupting stability, dividing unity, and distracting public attention from the ongoing humanitarian and recovery agenda.
Currently, the government is not only emphasizing physical recovery but also emphasizing social aspects, encouraging the public to collectively reject provocative narratives, including those related to separatist symbols that have recently emerged in public spaces. Preventive measures against the distribution of symbols or attributes resembling the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) flag are part of the state’s efforts to maintain peace and prevent social conflict amidst the recovery process.
Political observer and Executive Director of the Indonesia Political Review (IPR), Iwan Setiawan, stated that the raising of these attributes/flags constitutes a form of provocation against the public. The government has maintained peace by closing all opportunities for the revival of symbols of past conflicts.
Security forces, both the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri), along with local governments, are ensuring that any form of provocation that could disrupt stability is not given room to develop, as this could potentially divert public focus from the far more important humanitarian agenda.
TNI Commander General Agus Subiyanto stated that the TNI will not tolerate any groups provoking the public amidst efforts to accelerate disaster recovery in Sumatra. He stated that all elements of the TNI, ministries/institutions, and the community are currently focused on helping disaster victims. Any provocative actions that could potentially disrupt recovery will be dealt with firmly, as a form of community protection and a joint effort to accelerate the recovery process.
The government’s focus on rebuilding Aceh is also clearly reflected in its infrastructure recovery policy. The Minister of Public Works (PU), along with all technical staff, is working intensively in the field to repair roads, bridges, and public facilities damaged by the disaster. The PU Ministry has prioritized restoring connectivity at various strategic points that play a vital role in the socio-economic life of Acehnese people, including the main routes connecting highland districts with logistics distribution centers.
PU Minister Dody Hanggodo emphasized that all technical personnel in Aceh remain on standby to restore public access and logistics distribution routes. His ministry is not only restoring connectivity but also basic services such as clean water and housing facilities. The Acehnese people must quickly return to safe and productive activities.
The installation of emergency bridges such as Bailey bridges and the clearing of landslide material are part of the concrete steps taken to reopen access that was previously cut off. The successful reopening of several main routes demonstrates significant progress in ensuring unimpeded public mobility and aid distribution.
The central government also emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral coordination, including the active role of local governments and communities in accelerating post-flood reconstruction. The President’s instructions to all ministries, institutions, and elements of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) are to continue working relentlessly and ensure that no region is left behind in the recovery process. This holistic approach includes not only the restoration of physical infrastructure, but also the restoration of basic services such as energy supplies and logistics, equitable distribution of aid throughout the region, and support for the economic activities of affected communities.
Efforts to maintain social conduciveness also involve urging the public to reject potentially divisive narratives and remain focused on post-disaster recovery. The government, along with community leaders and stakeholders, continues to urge residents to maintain harmony and avoid becoming caught up in issues irrelevant to the community’s real interests. Active community participation is a crucial element in building a harmonious atmosphere and accelerating Aceh’s overall recovery. In a conducive environment, the government and community can work together to address post-disaster challenges more effectively and efficiently.
The Acehnese people have demonstrated a strong sense of togetherness in facing the disaster.This. The implementation of various recovery programs involves not only government officials but also volunteers, community organizations, and various other elements of society. This cross-sectoral support reflects the strong values of national unity, where each party plays a vital role in ensuring that Aceh not only recovers from the impact of the disaster but also emerges stronger and more resilient.
With hard work, synergy, and a sustained sense of solidarity, the ongoing recovery process is predicted to bring Aceh to a more stable and prosperous condition in the near future. The government is optimistic that by maintaining conducive conditions and accelerating infrastructure recovery, Aceh will be able to face the future with a stronger foundation, reinforcing the social, economic, and cultural life that has long been Aceh’s hallmark.
)* Public Policy Observer