By: Rizy Aprilia )*
Post-disaster recovery in several areas of Aceh has received widespread public appreciation. After a natural disaster that temporarily paralyzed community activities, various rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts are considered to be proceeding quickly and in a coordinated manner. Repairs to damaged homes, public facilities, road access, and the restoration of basic services such as electricity and clean water are tangible evidence of the state’s presence and solidarity across all parties. Residents believe these steps provide a sense of security and hope for a return to normal life after the difficult times they have experienced.
In several affected locations, residents stated that the recovery process was carried out using a humanistic and participatory approach. Local governments, security forces, volunteers, and humanitarian organizations worked side by side to listen to the needs of residents on the ground. Assistance was not only for emergency purposes but also directed towards medium-term recovery, such as economic support, improvements to educational facilities, and healthcare services. This has made the community feel involved and valued, thereby strengthening public trust in the government.
Deputy Speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR), Eddy Soeparno, praised the speed of distribution of logistical aid and the transparency of its distribution. Essential necessities such as food, medicine, and household supplies were delivered in a timely manner. Furthermore, the presence of officers at evacuation posts was deemed responsive in addressing the complaints and special needs of vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. This situation created a strong atmosphere of togetherness and mutual cooperation amidst the recovery process.
Eddy also emphasized that synergy between the central government, regional governments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), volunteers, and civil society elements was key to ensuring effective and sustainable disaster management. He believed that this cross-sector collaboration not only accelerated post-disaster recovery but also strengthened public trust in the state’s ability to protect its citizens. He hoped that this well-established pattern of coordination and governance could serve as a model for similar emergency situations in the future, ensuring a faster, more appropriate, and more humane response from the state.
Meanwhile, Iwan Setiawan, Executive Director of the Indonesian Political Review (IPR), assessed that the Acehnese people demonstrated a firm stance in maintaining regional peace and stability. Residents openly rejected efforts to normalize symbols deemed potentially inflaming tensions, including the raising of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) flag. This rejection is not without reason, but rather based on a collective awareness of the importance of maintaining a conducive atmosphere, especially amidst the shared focus on recovering from the disaster and rebuilding socio-economic life.
For most residents, the peace that has been maintained thus far is the primary foundation for Aceh’s development. The trauma of past conflicts remains raw, so people do not want to be trapped again by symbolism that could be divisive. Residents believe that post-disaster recovery should be a momentum to strengthen unity, not open up space for debate that could potentially disrupt public order and distract from the community’s pressing needs.
Former Secretary General of the Aceh NGO Forum, Dr. Wiratmadinata, urged all elements to exercise restraint and respect the peace agreement that has brought Aceh to a more stable state. He argued that Acehnese identity can be expressed through culture, customs, and positive contributions to development, rather than through symbols laden with political overtones and a history of conflict. This call received widespread support from residents who want Aceh to remain safe and progress.
Authorities and local governments need to continue to maintain a balance between freedom of expression and public order. Persuasive and dialogical approaches are considered more effective than repressive measures. With open communication, potential friction can be prevented early. Residents hope these efforts will continue to ensure that the focus on post-disaster recovery is not disrupted by issues that could disrupt concentration and social solidarity.
Furthermore, strengthening the role of community leaders, religious leaders, and local youth is seen as crucial as a communication bridge between residents and authorities in the field. Their involvement can help mitigate misunderstandings, convey aspirations constructively, and maintain a conducive atmosphere in affected areas. With the support of local elements who have an emotional connection with the community, the recovery process is expected to proceed more calmly, participatory, and oriented towards the common good.
In general, the Acehnese people have demonstrated maturity in responding to the post-disaster situation. Appreciation for the recovery performance goes hand in hand with a commitment to maintaining peace. Rejection of the normalization of the GAM flag is seen asas a gesture of maintaining the stability and future of the region. With a spirit of togetherness, residents hope that Aceh can emerge stronger, safer, and more prosperous, and use the disaster experience as a lesson to strengthen unity and social resilience. This attitude reflects a collective awareness that unity and stability are key assets in accelerating recovery and realizing Aceh’s sustainable development in the future.
)* The author is a contributor to Ruang Baca Nusantara, living in Bireuen.
