Bireuen – detikperistiwa.co.id
The central government’s plan to establish four new battalions of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) in the Aceh region has drawn serious concern from Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas, a civil society organisation dedicated to peace advocacy and the protection of citizens’ rights. Its General Chairman, Arizal Mahdi, described the move as a direct violation of the 2005 Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a potential threat to the stability and trust of the Acehnese people.
“The people of Aceh have paid a heavy price to achieve peace. This plan not only constitutes a legal breach of the MoU but also represents a moral betrayal of the reconciliation process built painstakingly over the years,” Mahdi stated.
The proposed expansion involves the establishment of battalions in four regencies: Pidie, Nagan Raya, Central Aceh, and Aceh Singkil. These units would fall under the command of the Iskandar Muda Regional Military Command. However, the Helsinki MoU explicitly limits the number of military personnel in Aceh to 14,700, with roles strictly confined to defending against external threats. According to Article 1, Paragraph 1 of the MoU, “The presence of military forces in Aceh shall be limited and must not exceed the number agreed upon in the MoU.”
“This action contradicts the spirit of reconciliation and rekindles long-standing fears within the community regarding potential intimidation and the misuse of military authority,” Mahdi stressed. “Aceh is no longer a conflict zone. What our people need most today is development and justice, not an increase in armed forces.”
Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas also expressed grave concern over the possible social and psychological impacts, particularly as Acehnese society is still recovering from the trauma of past conflicts. “The massive presence of military forces risks reopening old wounds. This is an extremely unwise course of action,” Mahdi added.
He urged the central government and relevant decision-making institutions to reconsider the plan in a transparent and participatory manner, listening carefully to the voices of the Acehnese people. “We call on the international community and human rights organisations to closely monitor the situation and ensure that the terms of the Helsinki MoU are respected and upheld,” Mahdi added. According to Mahdi, commitment to peace must be upheld with utmost responsibility.
“We call on all parties not to sacrifice Aceh’s future for short-term interests. This decision must be reviewed thoroughly. The hard-won peace must be preserved—not neglected,” Mahdi concluded.
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