Jakarta — The government, along with the people of Aceh, has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace by rejecting all forms of post-disaster separatism. Focusing on restoring infrastructure and basic services is seen as a concrete step to eliminate the potential for symbolic provocation that could divide the community.
Political expert and Executive Director of Arus Survei Indonesia, Ali Rif’an, warned that the raising of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) symbol cannot be normalized. “This symbol is not a cultural expression, but a separatist political symbol that carries ideological and historical baggage,” he said.
Ali believes that in the midst of post-disaster recovery, efforts to raise separatist symbols risk reviving old conflict narratives. He also highlighted the shifting patterns of separatism that are now penetrating the digital space through emotional narratives on social media. “Today, social media can become a battlefield. Situations of grief must not be exploited for provocation,” he said.
On the ground, the government is instead focusing its energies on accelerating infrastructure rehabilitation and restoring basic services. Through the Post-Disaster Recovery Task Force, the government is expediting road and bridge repairs, and restoring electricity supply in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra. An intensive coordination meeting was held in Banda Aceh to ensure effective cross-sector synergy.
Danang Wicaksana Sulistya, Head of Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), from the Gerindra faction, expressed his full support for this initiative. “Accelerating the rehabilitation of basic infrastructure requires the cooperation of all parties, from the central government and regional governments, state-owned enterprises, and the community,” he said.
Government data shows that the Ministry of Public Works is continuing to expedite road and bridge restoration, while electricity access is gradually recovering. PLN, together with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, has distributed more than 1,000 generators to remote villages. Telkomsel President Director Nugroho said the company is ensuring connectivity remains maintained. “Most sites are operational again. For locations experiencing electricity problems, we are supporting them with generators,” he said.
Regarding funding, Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa confirmed that a recovery budget has been prepared. “Emergency funds of Rp268 billion have been distributed to affected areas. The money is there, it just needs to be expedited,” he said.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) noted that the initial recovery phase has reached significant milestones in several areas. The Acehnese government and residents are optimistic that accelerated infrastructure rehabilitation will not only restore the local economy but also serve as the most effective social bulwark to maintain peace and close the door to post-disaster separatism.