Lawmaker Demands Probe Into Crescent-and-Star Flag Display in Aceh

Indonesian lawmaker Bambang Soesatyo has urged law enforcement authorities to investigate the display of the crescent-and-star flag, also known as the bendera bulan bintang, at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh. The incident occurred on Saturday, August 15, during commemorations of the 21st anniversary of Aceh Peace Day.

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The act could undermine the peace that has been maintained in Aceh for the past 21 years.

Soesatyo, widely known as Bamsoet, condemned the removal of the Indonesian red-and-white flag during the event, stating that such actions could jeopardize the peace that has been maintained in Aceh for the past two decades. He emphasized that law enforcement should proceed professionally and proportionately to prevent the situation from escalating or reigniting past conflicts. The lawmaker stressed the importance of distinguishing between peaceful expressions of views and acts of provocation, violence, or disrespect towards national symbols.

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Law enforcement should be carried out professionally and proportionately to prevent the incident from escalating tensions or reigniting conflict.

Calling for a comprehensive, professional, objective, and transparent investigation, Bambang warned against attributing the actions of a small group to the entire Acehnese population. He urged the central and Aceh governments to conduct a thorough review to prevent similar incidents and ensure that residents' concerns are adequately addressed. Soesatyo also appealed to religious leaders, traditional figures, former combatants, community leaders, youth, and civil society groups in Aceh to remain calm and avoid provocation. He highlighted that unresolved issues related to Aceh's special autonomy, public welfare, natural resources, and infrastructure should be resolved through political, legal, and dialogue-based channels, urging all parties to maintain public order and preserve peace in the region.

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An appropriate legal response was needed to uphold state authority while preventing the incident from creating the impression that Aceh’s population as a whole had returned to a state of conflict.