Aceh Legal Aid: Military deployed before Peace Day commemoration

The Aceh Legal Aid Foundation (LBH Banda Aceh) has raised concerns over the deployment of Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) soldiers just before the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration on August 15, 2026. According to Aulianda Wafisa, Director of LBH Banda Aceh, the soldiers conducted raids and searches on citizens traveling to Banda Aceh, actions that allegedly obstructed the public's ability to gather for the significant anniversary.

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This action has hindered citizens who intended to gather to commemorate and reflect on 21 years of Aceh's peace.

Wafisa emphasized that August 15 marks a crucial moment for the Acehnese people to celebrate and reflect on two decades of peace since the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding in 2005. She argued that this occasion should be a time for gratitude and evaluation of peace's impact on society. However, she claimed the government's actions, including restricting assembly rights, undermined this process, despite the citizens merely wishing to commemorate peace and express their gratitude.

LBH Banda Aceh views the use of armed forces against civilians expressing their aspirations as a sign of excessive government fear. Wafisa stated that symbols and political demands should be met with democratic dialogue, not military mobilization. The foundation believes this approach indicates a regression in Indonesian democracy, as the state should guarantee peaceful avenues for criticism and expression, not narrow them through intimidation and raids.

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Reflecting on the journey and future of peace is part of civil liberties and democracy that should be guaranteed by the state.

The foundation further argued that this security-focused response weakens the government's capacity for dialogue and public trust. It risks widening the gap between the government and the people of Aceh. Consequently, LBH Banda Aceh issued four demands: cease all obstructions to peaceful assembly, withdraw security forces from political expression spaces, initiate meaningful dialogue on the implementation and future of Aceh's peace, and guarantee freedom of expression and assembly.

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The state should guarantee space for citizens to express criticism and aspirations peacefully, not narrow it through intimidation and raids.