Appreciation of President Prabowo’s Firm Steps to Resolve the Dispute of 4 Islands between Aceh and North Sumatra
By: Fajar Dwi Santoso
President Prabowo Subianto’s steps to directly handle the dispute over ownership of four islands on the border of Aceh and North Sumatra Provinces should be appreciated as a real form of firm, responsive leadership that prioritizes national unity. This firmness is important considering that territorial boundary disputes, especially those involving regional identity, often become sensitive issues that can disrupt social and political stability if allowed to drag on.
Prabowo’s decision to take over the resolution of this case from the technical ministry shows his seriousness in maintaining territorial integrity and responding to the concerns of the people in the two provinces. Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, said that the President’s decision was born from direct communication between the legislative institution and the head of state. Prabowo, according to Dasco, does not want the polemic over the transfer of ownership status of the four islands to drag on and cause greater horizontal tension.
Prabowo’s quick move to resolve this issue in the near future shows that the President not only wants to quell the turmoil, but also prioritizes the principle of justice based on historical facts and strong administrative data. This approach has received support from various parties, including the Secretary General of the Golkar Party, Muhammad Sarmuji. He expressed his belief that the President will prioritize historical considerations, geographical proximity, and sociological relations in making decisions, with the hope that the final result can be accepted by all parties.
Sarmuji’s statement emphasized that President Prabowo’s efforts are not a form of central government domination over the regions, but rather a form of constitutional responsibility that is carried out carefully and with consideration. He also believes that the President’s involvement does not mean that related ministries such as the Ministry of Home Affairs will relinquish their responsibilities. In fact, according to him, the ministers will continue to work to gather information and establish dialogue with various parties to provide accurate considerations to the President.
Previously, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian had issued a Ministerial Decree stipulating that four small islands that had previously been included in the administrative area of Aceh Singkil are now officially part of North Sumatra Province. Kepmendagri No. 300.2.2-2138/2025 was issued on April 25, 2025, after a fairly long study of the geographical location and coordination between agencies. Tito emphasized that the decision was related to the government’s efforts to register the naming of the islands with the United Nations, so there needed to be administrative certainty about the territory.
However, this decision drew reactions from some Acehnese people who felt that their territory had been reduced. Polemics erupted and it was feared that it could trigger tensions between regions. In this context, President Prabowo’s direct involvement is a wise step to prevent administrative issues from turning into political issues or even social conflicts.
Responding to the potential lawsuit from the Aceh Provincial Government, Tito Karnavian openly stated that his party was ready to accept the evaluation, including if it was submitted through legal channels to the State Administrative Court (PTUN). This attitude reflects the openness of the central government to the administrative correction process, while also showing that the state is present fairly and transparently.
However, finalization and higher decision-making are still needed to ease tensions and unify perceptions. Therefore, the involvement of the President as the highest authority is crucial. President Prabowo not only acts as a decision maker, but also as a guardian of harmony between regions and a symbol of national integration.
This step shows that Prabowo understands the importance of local sensitivity in regional planning. He is not reckless, but chooses to listen to various parties and bases his decisions on comprehensive data and considerations. With this leadership style, Prabowo gives hope that similar problems in the future can be resolved without conflict, but through deliberation and a persuasive approach.
Prabowo’s approach is also in line with the spirit of regional autonomy that remains within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. He does not let regions conflict alone, but shows that the central government still cares, is present, and is ready to be a fair mediator. This is a form of leadership that embraces, not forces.
The President’s seriousness in resolving this problem quickly also shows his support for government efficiency. In a global and domestic atmosphere that demands stability and speed of decision-making, Prabowo does not letprolonged bureaucracy becomes an obstacle. This is a characteristic of a modern leader who does not only think about procedural legality, but also the urgency of maintaining national stability.
We certainly hope that the President’s decision will satisfy all parties, or at least be accepted with open arms. But more than that, Prabowo’s firmness and willingness to intervene directly is an important lesson that a leader should not hesitate to take control in a critical situation, in order to ensure justice and order.
The dispute over the four islands is an initial test for Prabowo Subianto’s leadership as President of the Republic of Indonesia. And so far, he has shown positive signals as a leader who is not only firm, but also wise in reading the situation and understanding social dynamics. For that, the people should give appreciation for the strategic and responsible steps he has taken.
National Political Observer – Mandala Raya Political Forum
