Jakarta – Aceh Governor, Muzakir Manaf (Mualem), expressed his highest appreciation to President Prabowo Subianto who has taken a firm and fair decision in resolving the dispute over four islands between Aceh and North Sumatra Provinces.
“From the people of Aceh, thank you to the President and Minister of Home Affairs Mr. Tito, Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives Mr. Dasco, and State Secretary Mr. Prasetyo and the Governor of North Sumatra. Hopefully there will be no more problems, peace and security, and we will protect the Republic of Indonesia together,” said Mualem in his official statement, Tuesday (6/17/2025).
He also expressed his gratitude to all the people of Aceh who have supported and overseen this resolution process. Not to forget, Mualem expressed his appreciation to Forbes DPR-DPD from Aceh, religious scholars, and elements of society who have contributed.
“Hopefully the relationship between Aceh and North Sumatra will remain harmonious after this decision. We believe that President Prabowo’s decision is fair and does not harm any party,” he said.
Previously, President Prabowo Subianto decided that the four contested islands, namely Panjang Island, Lipan Island, Mangkir Gadang Island, and Mangkir Ketek Island, were legally part of the administrative area of Aceh Province.
This decision was announced by Minister of State Secretary (Mensesneg) Prasetyo Hadi in a press conference at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (6/17/2025).
Present on that occasion were Deputy Speaker of the DPR Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, Governor of North Sumatra Bobby Nasution, and Governor of Aceh Muzakir Manaf.
“The limited meeting was held in order to find a way out of the dynamic problems of the 4 islands in North Sumatra and Aceh,” said Prasetyo.
He emphasized that the decision was taken after considering valid supporting documents and data.
“Based on the report from the Ministry of Home Affairs, based on supporting data documents, then earlier the President decided that the government based on the basic documents owned by the government has made a decision that the four islands, namely Panjang Island, Lipan Island, then Mangkir Gadang Island, and Mangkir Ketek Island, administratively based on the documents owned by the government are included in the administrative area of Aceh,” he said.
*
[edRW]