Give Aceh peace a chance

A recent clash in Aceh has reignited concerns over the fragile nature of the province's hard-won peace. The fatal shooting in Pidie follows a confrontation between Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel and local residents during a commemoration of the prophet Muhammad's birthday. The incident occurred after an attempt to remove a flag associated with Aceh's former separatist movement, the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), despite it being the provincial banner since 2013 under the 2005 Helsinki Peace Agreement.

Six military personnel were also injured in the incident. The central government's commitment to investigate the clash must result in a transparent and impartial inquiry to establish the facts, identify those responsible, and determine whether the use of force was proportionate and legitimate. The loss of life and lingering tensions underscore the need for a credible response, lest the friction between Jakarta and Banda Aceh deepen mistrust and jeopardize the 21 years of reconciliation.

Moreover, Aceh's recent unrest episodes, exacerbated by dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the devastating floods that killed over 1,200 people and displaced more than 1.1 million across three provinces last November, further highlight the province's vulnerability.