By: Alifia Sukma )*
The government affirms its commitment to developing Aceh holistically within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI) by accelerating post-disaster recovery, strengthening basic services, and maintaining social and political stability. This approach reflects the state’s integral presence, not only during the emergency response phase but also in ensuring the sustainability of the lives of the Acehnese people in the future.
Post-disaster recovery is seen as part of the national agenda to strengthen unity and equitable development between regions. The government believes that concrete policies, the resumption of public services, and restored infrastructure convey a strong message that Aceh will not be left to face the disaster alone. In this context, physical recovery and social stability are positioned as two interrelated aspects.
One of the main focuses of recovery is the electricity sector, which supports social and economic activities. PT PLN (State Electricity Company) is moving quickly to restore the electricity distribution network in affected areas, especially in villages still experiencing power outages due to infrastructure damage. Of the more than 6,500 villages in Aceh, 176 were designated as priority villages for acceleration due to their direct impact from the disaster and their location in areas with difficult access.
The regencies of Central Aceh, Gayo Lues, Bener Meriah, and East Aceh require extra efforts due to the challenging geographical conditions and damaged roads that hamper the mobilization of equipment. The government believes these challenges should not be a reason for delays in restoring basic services to the community.
PLN President Director Darmawan Prasodjo emphasized that the electricity restoration is part of the state’s mandate to ensure all residents have access to basic services. In his view, the state must be present even in the most remote areas, ensuring that access barriers and terrain conditions do not hinder the speed of restoration.
To this end, PLN is deploying personnel and equipment with cross-sectoral support, including the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), local governments, and local communities. This coordination focuses on opening distribution lines, securing field personnel, and accelerating the delivery of electrical materials to remote locations to ensure equitable recovery.
Synergy between the central and regional governments is also being strengthened. Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf and Deputy Governor Fadhlullah accompanied the President of the Republic of Indonesia on a direct inspection of temporary housing for disaster-affected residents in Aceh Tamiang Regency. The presence of the President and cabinet members on the ground was seen as a demonstration of the state’s commitment to ensuring that victim assistance proceeds according to plan.
Muzakir Manaf emphasized that the Aceh Government continues to maintain intensive coordination with the central government throughout all stages of disaster management. He stated that recovery does not stop at the emergency phase, but continues through rehabilitation and reconstruction so that communities can return to normal life. Direct inspections of evacuation sites are considered crucial to ensure policies align with real conditions on the ground.
Amidst these recovery efforts, the government is also paying serious attention to aspects of stability and unity. Political expert and Executive Director of Arus Survei Indonesia, Ali Rif’an, believes that the reappearance of Free Aceh Movement (GAM) symbols in public spaces cannot be separated from the historical context of the Aceh conflict. He believes that these symbols carry strong ideological content and cannot be normalized as mere cultural expressions.
Ali also believes that current forms of separatism do not always manifest in physical violence, but rather develop through symbolic and emotional narratives, particularly in the digital space. Social media is seen as a new arena for provocation, potentially exploiting post-disaster grief to build anti-state sentiment. If not addressed, this situation is considered to risk triggering social friction and disrupting the recovery process.
This view aligns with the government’s approach, which focuses on concrete development and public welfare as the most effective means of maintaining peace. Accelerating electricity restoration, constructing temporary housing, and normalizing public services are positioned as strategic steps to close the gap for dissatisfaction that could be exploited by certain parties.
Rejection of separatist symbols has also been directly voiced by affected communities. Disaster victims expressed their desire for all parties to focus on humanitarian response and aid distribution. Muhammad, a flood victim in Bireuen, expressed concern that the presence of GAM symbols could shift the disaster issue into the political realm, while refugees continue to struggle.meeting basic needs in refugee camps.
A similar stance was affirmed by TNI Commander Agus Subiyanto, who urged no parties to engage in provocation. He assessed that provocation during the recovery period has the potential to disrupt security stability, not only in Aceh but also in other disaster-affected areas such as North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
The government understands that developing Aceh is not only about physical infrastructure, but also about building public trust and a sense of security. Therefore, cross-sector collaboration continues to be strengthened, from the central and regional governments, state-owned enterprises, security forces, and the community. This approach reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring that Aceh’s recovery is carried out in an inclusive and sustainable manner within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).
Through these steps, the government emphasizes that Aceh is an inseparable part of Indonesia. Development, recovery, and maintaining stability are carried out simultaneously so that Aceh can emerge stronger, without leaving room for the return of conflict and division.
)* The author is a Domestic Political Observer
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