Former Aceh Governor Zaini Abdullah Dies at 86

Former Governor of Aceh, dr. Zaini Abdullah, widely known as Abu Doto, passed away on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at the RSUD Zainoel Abidin hospital in Banda Aceh. He was 86 years old.

His assistant, Muzakir Abdul Hamid, confirmed Abdullah's death, stating he died in the ICU around 12:24 WIB. Abdullah had been receiving treatment at the hospital since June 4, 2026. Although he had undergone outpatient treatment recently, his condition worsened, leading to his readmission early Saturday morning. His passing is attributed to his advanced age and complications from several illnesses.

Zaini Abdullah, born in Sigli, Aceh, on April 24, 1940, had a distinguished career that included medical studies at the University of Sumatera Utara and specialized training in Sweden. He later became a prominent leader in the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), serving as its Minister of Health and a delegate in the 2005 peace negotiations with the Indonesian government in Helsinki, which resulted in the Helsinki MoU.

Following the peace agreement, Abdullah joined the Aceh Party and was elected Governor of Aceh in 2012, serving a full term until 2017. His remains are expected to be buried in his hometown of Beureunuen, Pidie Regency, Aceh, after funeral prayers at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh.