Aceh peace anniversary marked by clashes in Banda Aceh

Aceh peace anniversary Helsinki MoU Banda Aceh riots Moon and Star flag Jusuf Kalla

The 21st anniversary of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Aceh, intended to commemorate the end of conflict between the Indonesian government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), was marked by civil unrest in Banda Aceh. On August 15, 2026, clashes erupted at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque after individuals attempted to fly the Moon and Star flag. Security forces, including the police and military, responded to the demonstrations using water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Former Vice President Jusuf Kalla commented on the incident, stating that the unrest does not reflect the will of the majority of Acehnese people who have benefited from the peace. He suggested the clashes were driven by internal political dynamics and dissatisfaction among certain small groups within Aceh rather than a rejection of the central government.

Aceh leadership, including Governor Muzakir Manaf and the Wali Nanggroe, have called for the community to maintain peace and unity to ensure a stable future for the next generation. While some local groups expressed dissatisfaction, officials emphasized the importance of preserving the political and social contract established by the peace agreement.

Entities

Aceh · Baiturrahman Grand Mosque · Fadhlullah · Gerakan Aceh Merdeka · Jusuf Kalla · KPA/PA · Masjid Raya Baiturrahman · Muzakir Manaf · Wali Nanggroe Aceh

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[● 2 SOURCES] Security forces used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds. www.kosmo.com.my · www.liputan6.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The riots in Banda Aceh were driven by internal dissatisfaction and small groups rather than a rejection of the central government. www.gelora.co · nasional.sindonews.com · news.republika.co.id
[● 2 SOURCES] Clashes occurred at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque during the 21st anniversary of the Helsinki MoU. www.kosmo.com.my · www.liputan6.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Wali Nanggroe urged the community to use the anniversary to strengthen brotherhood and peace. www.ule.co.id
[● 2 SOURCES] The unrest was triggered by individuals attempting to fly the Moon and Star flag. www.kosmo.com.my · www.liputan6.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Governor of Aceh called for all parties to maintain the peace achieved through significant sacrifice. prohaba.tribunnews.com