BANDA ACEH, INDONESIA —NETTInpo.Com

What was supposed to be a solemn prayer and reflection marking 21 years of peace in Aceh instead descended into chaos at the historic Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh on Saturday, August 15, 2026.

Thousands gathered from across Aceh for prayers and a mass dhikr beginning at around 7:00 a.m. But the atmosphere gradually turned tense after religious and community figures delivered speeches criticizing the government's handling of floods and landslides, as well as what they described as unfinished elements of the Aceh peace agreement.

Then came the flashpoint.

THE FLAGS THAT REIGNITED OLD TENSIONS

Crowds openly waved the crescent-and-star flag associated with the former Free Aceh Movement (GAM), alongside white flags and United Nations flags.

The crowd responded to the speeches with repeated cries of “Merdeka!” — “Freedom!”

For authorities, the symbolism was impossible to ignore.

Security personnel from the Indonesian military and police attempted to stop the flag displays. Instead of calming the situation, the intervention triggered resistance from sections of the crowd.

Tensions escalated rapidly.

DEPUTY POLICE CHIEF CHASED

Aceh Deputy Police Chief Brig. Gen. Ari Wahyu Widodo reportedly entered the area in an attempt to calm the crowd.

But the situation deteriorated.

The deputy police chief was reportedly chased by members of the crowd, while police officers were pelted with plastic bottles.

Security personnel eventually withdrew from the grounds of Baiturrahman Grand Mosque to prevent the confrontation from escalating further.

Several vehicles were also reportedly damaged.

A disturbing scene: at a place meant for prayer and reconciliation, police officers were forced to retreat amid a confrontation with civilians.

21 YEARS OF PEACE — WHY IS THE FIRE STILL BURNING?

This is the question Jakarta cannot simply brush aside.

Aceh has formally enjoyed peace for 21 years. Yet the events of August 15 show that unresolved grievances can still explode into public confrontation.

Complaints over disaster response, development, political issues and implementation of the peace agreement have once again surfaced.

Peace on paper does not automatically mean peace in people's hearts.

The government must therefore do more than hold anniversary ceremonies. It must provide measurable answers to legitimate public grievances and maintain an open channel for dialogue.

CRITICISM IS A RIGHT. VIOLENCE IS NOT.

But there must also be a clear line.

Citizens have the right to criticize the government. They do not have the right to attack officers or destroy property.

If investigations confirm that individuals threw objects at police, chased officials or damaged vehicles, those acts must be dealt with objectively under the law.

At the same time, security forces must exercise restraint, proportionality and professionalism. Excessive force can turn an already tense situation into something far more dangerous.

BAITURRAHMAN MUST NOT BECOME A BATTLEGROUND

Baiturrahman Grand Mosque is one of Aceh's most powerful religious and historical symbols.

When a place of worship becomes the scene of confrontation between civilians and security forces, it should be treated as a warning—not merely another crowd-control incident.

The government needs dialogue. Community leaders need to restrain their supporters. Police need to remain professional. And the public must understand that freedom of expression does not include violence.

Twenty-one years after the peace agreement, Aceh deserves more than ceremonial speeches.

It deserves a peace that is felt, implemented and protected by everyone.

Do not wait until the embers become a fire.