By: Zulfikar Ramdan *)
The hydrometeorological disaster that struck several areas in Aceh at the end of 2025 not only left environmental damage and public facilities damaged, but also presented social challenges that require collective vigilance. Amidst the atmosphere of grief and the ongoing recovery process, symbolic efforts have emerged that have the potential to revive narratives of past conflicts. However, the mainstream in Aceh has shown a firm rejection of all forms of separatism, as social consolidation between the community and the government strengthens.
Political expert and Executive Director of Arus Survei Indonesia, Ali Rif’an, believes that the emergence of symbols associated with separatist movements cannot be understood as neutral expressions. He believes that these symbols have strong ideological and historical content, so their presence in the public sphere risks reopening memories of conflict that have been closed through a long peace process. In the post-disaster context, he cautioned against exploiting the vulnerable psychological state of communities for provocation.
Ali also observed a shift in separatist patterns in the digital era, where conflict narratives are no longer voiced through physical force, but rather through symbols and emotional propaganda on social media. According to him, efforts to twist feelings of injustice or suffering caused by disasters into tools to delegitimize the state constitute a new threat to social stability. Therefore, he emphasized the importance of the simultaneous presence of the state and society to block the growth of such narratives.
On the ground, Aceh’s response has been in the opposite direction. The local government, along with the community, has demonstrated strong solidarity in facing the impact of the disaster. Since the end of December 2025, the Aceh Government has deployed approximately 3,000 Civil Servants to various areas affected by floods and landslides. These civil servants are tasked not only with clearing up debris but also with ensuring that basic services such as health care, population administration, and public facilities remain operational.
The Aceh Regional Secretary, as Head of the Hydrometeorological Disaster Management Post, assessed that the assignment of civil servants (ASN) represents a concrete form of state presence within the community. By working directly in the field, state officials can understand the real needs of residents and simultaneously build emotional bonds that strengthen public trust. This presence is seen as a crucial step in maintaining social stability amidst an emergency situation.
Gotong royong (mutual cooperation) is the common thread uniting various elements. Several humanitarian agencies, along with local volunteers, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), and students, conducted environmental cleanup efforts and reopened road access in various affected districts. The involvement of heavy equipment, combined with local labor, accelerated physical recovery without diminishing the active role of the community. This collaboration demonstrates that Aceh’s recovery relies on collective work, not solely on a single actor.
Several regional heads expressed that this collaborative pattern has been significantly helpful to the local government. Gotong royong is considered not only to expedite area cleanup and aid distribution but also to be an effective means of social consolidation. When communities, volunteers, and the government work in unison, the space for provocative issues shrinks and they fail to resonate widely.
From a socio-religious perspective, the resilience of the Acehnese people is also supported by strong spiritual values. Religious leaders believe that the patience and calm of residents in the face of disaster reflects maturity in faith and social responsibility. These values encourage people to help one another and reject potentially divisive calls. This solidarity, born of religious belief, is crucial for maintaining peace.
Local traditions such as Peumulia Jamee, reinforce this message. Amidst the limitations imposed by the disaster, residents’ hospitality toward volunteers and officials remains strong. This attitude of honoring guests is considered to provide moral energy for all parties involved in the recovery process and demonstrates Aceh’s identity as a peaceful and open society. This culture demonstrates that humanitarian values remain alive, even in the most difficult situations.
At the grassroots level, independent community initiatives have also emerged. In several sub-districts, communities have worked together to build emergency wooden bridges to ensure uninterrupted village access. Without waiting for heavy equipment assistance, residents ensured the continued distribution of logistics and health services. This action demonstrated the community’s mental readiness, aligned with government policies, while also strengthening social resilience from the ground up.
Meanwhile, the government continues to increase preparedness in line with warnings of potential disasters.Extreme weather forecasts from the Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) have focused on accelerating the provision of temporary housing and restoring basic infrastructure. Coordination between the central and regional governments, as well as the community, is considered key to ensuring a sustainable recovery process.
This post-disaster experience demonstrates that mutual cooperation (gotong royong) is not merely an instrument for physical recovery, but also a social bulwark in suppressing issues of separatism. When the government is clearly present and the community mobilizes with collective awareness, the narrative of conflict loses its space. Aceh demonstrates that solidarity, trust, and a commitment to peace are key forces for recovery, while maintaining stability and unity amidst difficult trials.
*) Researcher at the Center for Disaster Studies/Humanitarian Activist