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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Crime & Justice

Aceh Police Briefly Detain Residents After Peace Day Clash

From Tempo · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Aceh police briefly detained residents after a clash during the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration.
  • The clash occurred when participants replaced the Indonesian flag with a crescent moon and star flag, leading to police using tear gas.
  • Several residents were detained and later released, while property damage was reported.

A clash erupted during the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration in Banda Aceh, Indonesia, when participants replaced the national flag with a crescent moon and star banner. The incident, which occurred in front of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque on Saturday, August 15, 2026, led to police deploying tear gas to disperse the crowd. Several residents were briefly detained by the Aceh Regional Police, though most were later released, according to Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan.

Several residents have been released.

— Ruddi SetiawanAceh Regional Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan confirming the release of detained residents.

The confrontation began after a joint prayer and dhikr event. Witnesses reported that the crowd threw rocks at police and damaged vehicles. One participant, M Jamil, stated the flag-raising was an expression of gratitude and part of a call for peace and a more prosperous Acehnese society.

The raising of the crescent moon and star flag is our way of expressing gratitude.

— M JamilAn event participant explaining the significance of the flag displayed during the commemoration.

Police spokesperson Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto initially stated they were assessing the impact and the number of people affected. He expressed hope for continued peace and stability in Aceh. The incident occurred amidst reports from the Legal Aid Institute of Banda Aceh alleging Indonesian National Army raids prior to the commemoration.

We are still assessing the impact of the incident. Once we have the data and information, we will communicate it. We hope that Aceh will remain safe and conducive.

— Joko KrisdiyantoAceh Regional Police Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto on the ongoing assessment of the incident.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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