Aceh Seeks Legal Clarity on Crescent Star Flag from Interior Ministry After Clashes

The Aceh provincial government and its regional legislative body have agreed to consult with Indonesia's Ministry of Home Affairs to seek legal certainty regarding the "Bulan Bintang" (Crescent Star) flag. This joint decision was made after a coordination meeting of the Aceh Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) and follows recent unrest in Banda Aceh.

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The results of the meeting will be a joint agreement. Regarding the Bulan Bintang Flag, the Aceh Government and the Aceh DPR will jointly consult with the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Clashes erupted on Saturday at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque during a commemoration of the 21st Aceh Peace Day. The incident occurred when a group raised the Bulan Bintang flag, which is historically associated with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Security forces initially asked the group not to raise the flag, but they proceeded, leading to a confrontation that escalated into a street disturbance. Police dispersed the crowd using tear gas, but authorities reported that the situation was quickly brought under control and remained conducive.

According to Aceh government spokesperson Nurlis Effendi, the Aceh Legislative Council has had Aceh Regulation Number 3 of 2013 concerning the Aceh Flag and Emblem, which designates the Bulan Bintang as the provincial flag. However, the central government, through the Ministry of Home Affairs, has evaluated the flag's substance, creating an ongoing issue with its implementation since 2013.

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The zikir event at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque for the 21st HDA commemoration has concluded. Although there was a disturbance during the zikir, the situation was immediately controlled and remained conducive.

The Forkopimda meeting also produced six recommendations, including maintaining peace and order in Aceh, urging restraint, prioritizing persuasive approaches, and strengthening communication with religious, customary, and community leaders. While the security situation is reported as conducive, the central government's decision on whether the Bulan Bintang flag can be flown remains crucial for resolving the issue.

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A decision is needed from the Central Government, in this case the Ministry of Home Affairs, whether the Bulan Bintang Flag can be raised or not. If it's allowed, it's allowed, and if not, it's not.