Barsela leaders unite to push for new Aceh province

Community leaders, academics, and youth representatives from the West South Aceh (Barsela) region have reaffirmed their commitment to establishing a new autonomous province. During a meeting in Banda Aceh, participants discussed strategies to ensure the Barsela province proposal moves beyond mere discourse toward formal implementation.

The movement focuses on achieving equitable development, leveraging regional economic potential, and strengthening historical and cultural identities. Key areas of focus include Aceh Singkil and Subulussalam, which proponents argue share deep historical, geographical, and linguistic ties with the proposed Barsela region.

Fadhli Ali, a movement organizer, emphasized that regional expansion is a method of administrative restructuring to bring public services closer to the people rather than a separation. Professor Muhammad Irham of Syiah Kuala University also noted the administrative and cultural connections between Aceh Singkil, Subulussalam, and South Aceh as foundational to the proposal.