Aceh Peace Day tribute descends into violence amid clashes with police

A commemoration of the 21st Aceh Peace Day in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, turned violent on Saturday, August 15, 2026, when clashes erupted between police and residents at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque.

The situation escalated around 11:00 a.m. Jakarta time when an individual climbed a flagpole in the mosque's courtyard and lowered the Indonesian flag, replacing it with a crescent-star flag. This act was met with chants from the assembled crowd, intensifying the unrest. One attendee, M. Jamil, stated that the event was intended as an invitation for prayer and remembrance for peace and prosperity in Aceh, and that raising the crescent-star flag was an expression of gratitude.

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Raising the crescent-star flag is a form of our gratitude

Shortly after the flag incident, gunfire was heard, provoking a strong reaction from the crowd. Attendees moved towards the sound, throwing stones at police officers and damaging several parked cars. Despite police calls to disperse, the crowd continued their actions. Authorities eventually used water cannons and tear gas to break up the gathering.

Separately, on the day prior, a coalition of civil society groups concerned about environmental issues held a demonstration advocating for the central government to declare the ecological disaster in Aceh and Sumatra a national disaster. Rahmad Maulidin, the protest coordinator, argued that the lack of national disaster status has led to unclear rehabilitation and reconstruction policies, stating that post-disaster management has been suboptimal.

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It remains relevant, because post-disaster management in the affected areas has not been optimal