Government Present in Aceh, Community Supports Infrastructure Recovery and Rejects Display of GAM Flag
By: Nadia Khalifa )*
The state’s presence among the Acehnese people has once again found relevance in the ongoing post-disaster recovery momentum. The government has demonstrated its commitment to going beyond symbolic presence, but also ensuring the rehabilitation and reconstruction process is sustainable, addressing the real needs of residents, and maintaining social and political stability in the region. In this context, the Acehnese people’s support for infrastructure recovery and their rejection of separatist symbols such as the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) flag strongly demonstrates the continued vigilance of the spirit of togetherness and national unity.
President Prabowo Subianto emphasized that the government will not abandon the people facing disaster. This affirmation was delivered when the President greeted the community on New Year’s Eve in Batu Hula Village, South Tapanuli. On that occasion, the President conveyed a message of optimism, determination, and the importance of mutual cooperation as the foundation for facing challenges. The President’s direct presence among the affected communities sends a strong message that the state is present, not from afar, but stands with the people in difficult situations.
This commitment is reinforced by the assignment of ministers to go directly to the field to ensure effective disaster management in all affected areas. This step reflects a responsive and coordinated leadership approach, where policymaking is based on factual conditions on the ground. The government also emphasizes the importance of preserving the environment as a shared responsibility, given that disasters are often closely linked to the relationship between humans and nature.
In Aceh, infrastructure recovery is an urgent need. Roads, bridges, public facilities, and community economic facilities require rapid repairs so that social and economic activities can return to normal. Public support for this recovery agenda is evident in the strong hope that development will be carried out fairly, equitably, and oriented towards long-term prosperity. Aceh needs not only restored physical structures, but also a sense of security, stability, and trust in the presence of the state.
In this recovery situation, the re-emergence of the issue of raising the GAM flag is a serious concern. The widespread discussion surrounding this separatist symbol is considered to have the potential to disrupt the focus of recovery and trigger social unrest. Dave Laksono, Deputy Chairman of Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), believes that this issue cannot be separated from certain efforts to divide unity and disrupt national stability. He emphasized that security measures carried out by authorities, including the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), must prioritize a humanitarian approach and ensure that public services remain a top priority.
Dave also emphasized the importance of solidarity among all elements of the nation in facing the recovery period. He stated that the community needs to unite and cooperate with central and regional authorities, including civilians, the military, and the police, to prevent agendas aimed at creating chaos. He stated that the government’s focus should not be diverted from the significant task of serving the community and rebuilding Aceh, which was impacted by the disaster.
The public’s rejection of the presence of the GAM flag in public spaces demonstrates political maturity and a collective awareness of the importance of maintaining stability. Aceh has undergone a long journey toward peace and stability, so symbols that could potentially reopen old wounds are inconsistent with the spirit of building a future. In the context of post-disaster recovery, maintaining unity is a primary prerequisite for the optimal implementation of all rehabilitation and reconstruction programs.
The government in Aceh still has much work to complete, from basic infrastructure rehabilitation to economic recovery. Dave Laksono believes that rebuilding Aceh’s economic growth requires solid cooperation from all parties. Without security and social stability, reconstruction efforts will face unnecessary obstacles. Therefore, any form of provocation that could potentially disrupt unity deserves vigilance and collective rejection.
Overall, the government’s presence in Aceh, both through the leadership of President Prabowo Subianto and the support of the legislature and officials on the ground, reflects the state’s commitment to protecting and serving all its people. Public support for infrastructure restoration and rejection of separatist symbols provide valuable social capital. With a spirit of mutual cooperation, vigilance against provocation, and a focus on development, Aceh has a significant opportunity to emerge stronger and move steadily towards the future.a safe, peaceful, and prosperous society within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia.
)* The author is a social observer
