GLOBAL DETIK.COM | BANDA ACEH – The commemoration of the 21st anniversary of the Aceh Peace Agreement, which had initially proceeded solemnly, orderly, and peacefully following a joint prayer attended by thousands of residents, suddenly turned tense in the vicinity of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque on Saturday (15/8/2026). The incident began when a number of groups were involved in stone-throwing exchanges with security personnel on duty, which was then responded to with the deployment of tear gas to disperse the crowd, accompanied by repeated gunshots heard at the scene. According to statements from multiple eyewitnesses, several members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces were seen pursuing individuals within the mosque grounds while the situation remained chaotic.
An event that was meant to be a moment of gratitude and collective reflection over the end of a prolonged conflict, instead shifted drastically into a frightening uproar. Hostile interactions between parts of the crowd and security officers triggered an unexpected escalation of tension, with objects being thrown toward security lines and vice versa, sparking widespread panic among residents present.
Responding to the worsening situation, security forces took steps to restore order by using tear gas to break up the confrontation and disperse the opposing crowds. Clouds of tear gas covering the mosque grounds forced residents to flee, many scrambling to safety carrying anxiety and fear never before felt at a peace commemoration event.
Amidst the chaos, clear and successive gunshots were heard piercing the silence surrounding the mosque complex. This further heightened the panic of those present, particularly as the incident took place at a sacred site and during a moment meant to honor the peace that was meant to bring true harmony to all people.
The occurrence stands as a profound irony, considering the gathering was organized to mark the peace agreement that halted bloodshed across Aceh twenty-one years ago. Instead of proceeding in brotherhood and prayer, the commemoration was marred by conflict that leaves sorrow and deep questions in the hearts of the public.
Based on observations at the scene, as tensions peaked, several members of the Indonesian National Armed Forces were seen moving to pursue individuals suspected of involvement in the unrest. These actions took place while order had not yet been restored, further spreading the chaos that had initially been concentrated in one section of the mosque courtyard.
This incident brings deep sorrow to the vast majority of residents who attended with sincere intentions to pray together and nurture unity. The community had hoped the Peace Day commemoration would serve as a gathering of kinship, not a confrontation that evokes painful memories of a dark past that should have been left far behind.
Thousands of residents arriving from all regencies and cities across Aceh were meant to serve as tangible proof that peace is held in the highest regard by all layers of society. Yet today’s events stand as a stark reminder that much remains to be done to preserve and uphold the peace achieved together.
As this report is published, no official statement has been released by the authorities to explain the full chronology, root causes, and planned measures to address the unrest and use of firearms.
The broader public urges the authorities to conduct a transparent and accountable investigation immediately, and ensure such incidents are never repeated, so that the peace maintained with such immense struggle may be preserved properly and fully.
Before tensions arose, all those gathered had performed the joint prayer devoutly, beseeching Allah SWT to bestow mercy, protection, and eternal peace upon all people of Aceh without exception.
Yet beneath this sincere prayer lies deep disappointment voiced by the entire community of Aceh toward the government. This disappointment stems from the widely held view that the reality experienced by the people does not align with the promises that were made.
The community affirms that the articles of agreement set out in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed as the foundation of the peace accord have not been implemented in practice in accordance with what was mutually agreed upon.
Numerous key points written into the official accord have not been fully realized on the ground, including post-disaster recovery, fulfillment of fundamental rights, and equitable development and welfare that many say still does not reach all layers of society fairly.
The people convey that true peace is not merely the absence of war, but must also be accompanied by justice, shared prosperity, and full respect for all rights agreed upon within the peace agreement.
The gap between the commitments signed and the reality experienced daily is one of the underlying reasons why aspirations were raised openly by parts of the crowd during this commemoration.
The people of Aceh ask nothing unreasonable; they simply request that every article of the agreement be implemented with full responsibility, honesty, and fairness in accordance with the text that was signed.
What remains is the hope that the government will respond seriously to all aspirations conveyed, and conduct a comprehensive evaluation of how the peace agreement has been implemented over the past twenty-one years.
Let the accord that forms the foundation of this peace not remain merely a historic document stored away, while its meaning and benefits are never truly felt by the people who are its principal party.
Amidst this profound concern, the people of Aceh remain committed to upholding peace, yet also affirm that the voices and aspirations expressed today are part of nurturing that very peace—so that it remains alive, just, and beneficial for generations to come.