Presidential Mediation End Decades-Long Island Dispute Between Aceh and North Sumatra

In a rare moment of decisive leadership, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto has brokered a resolution to a decades-old territorial dispute between the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, affirming that four contested islands—Lipan, Panjang, Mangkir Besar, and Mangkir Kecil—fall under Aceh’s jurisdiction. The announcement, made on Tuesday at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, marks a significant step toward regional harmony in a nation where local tensions can threaten the fragile unity of its sprawling archipelago.

The dispute, rooted in historical claims and administrative ambiguities, had simmered for years but erupted into public contention in April 2025, when a Home Ministry decree reassigned the islands to North Sumatra. The decision sparked outrage in Aceh, where residents and leaders argued that the islands, despite their geographical proximity to North Sumatra, have been inhabited and managed by Acehnese communities for generations. Protests in Aceh’s capital, Banda Aceh, saw thousands rally against what they perceived as a bureaucratic overreach that ignored their cultural and historical ties to the islands.

On Tuesday, State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi announced the resolution following a high-level meeting attended by Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, Home Minister Tito Karnavian, and House of Representatives deputy speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad. President Prabowo, en route to his first state visit to Russia, chaired the meeting via video conference, underscoring the urgency of resolving the issue before embarking on his international agenda. The signing of the agreement by both governors, witnessed virtually by Prabowo, was a carefully orchestrated display of national unity.

“After reviewing supporting documents and data, we decided that the four islands fall within the jurisdiction of Aceh,” Prasetyo told reporters. “We hope this decision serves as the best solution for both the Aceh and North Sumatra provincial administrations and puts an end to the public debate.”

The resolution is a testament to Prabowo’s hands-on approach to governance, a style that contrasts with his predecessors’ often cautious handling of regional disputes. Yet it also highlights the delicate balancing act required to maintain stability in Indonesia, a nation of over 270 million people spread across more than 17,000 islands, with diverse ethnic, religious, and cultural identities.

A History of Contention

The islands at the heart of the dispute—Lipan, Panjang, Mangkir Besar, and Mangkir Kecil—are small, resource-rich landmasses in the Malacca Strait, a vital maritime corridor. Their strategic location and potential for fishing and tourism have long made them a focal point of competing claims. Historical records suggest that Acehnese fishermen have used the islands as bases for centuries, cultivating small plots and maintaining seasonal settlements. North Sumatra, however, has pointed to their geographical proximity—some of the islands lie just a few kilometers off its coast—as evidence of administrative oversight.

The dispute traces back to Indonesia’s post-independence era, when provincial boundaries were often drawn with little regard for local realities. In Aceh, a province with a distinct identity shaped by its history of resistance against colonial and central government rule, the islands became a symbol of regional autonomy. The 2005 peace agreement that ended Aceh’s decades-long separatist conflict granted the province special autonomy, including control over local resources, further intensifying its claim to the islands.

Tensions flared in April when the Home Ministry’s decree reassigned the islands to North Sumatra, citing administrative efficiency. The decision was met with immediate backlash. In Aceh, community leaders accused Jakarta of undermining their autonomy, while protests saw banners proclaiming, “The islands are Aceh’s heart.” One local fisherman, Ahmad Syah, 52, told reporters: “These islands are where my father fished, where I fish, and where my son will fish. They are Aceh, not Sumatra.”

North Sumatra’s leadership, led by Governor Bobby Nasution, argued that the islands’ proximity necessitated their inclusion in the province’s administrative framework, particularly for development projects like tourism infrastructure. Yet the protests and Aceh’s historical claims forced Jakarta to reconsider.

Prabowo’s Mediation: A Call for Unity

Prabowo’s intervention was both strategic and symbolic. As a former military general with a reputation for decisiveness, he framed the resolution as a matter of national unity, invoking the concept of NKRI—the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia. In a video released by the Presidential Secretariat, Prabowo addressed the governors with a tone of paternal authority: “We are one nation, and NKRI should always be our foundation. Our economy is strong, growth is good, agriculture is thriving. We must keep this momentum.”

The president’s emphasis on economic progress was not incidental. Indonesia’s economy has seen steady growth under his administration, with GDP growth projected at 5.2% for 2025, driven by agricultural exports and infrastructure development. Regional disputes, if left unresolved, could undermine investor confidence and disrupt local economies, particularly in resource-dependent provinces like Aceh and North Sumatra.

Prabowo’s virtual presence during the signing ceremony was a nod to modern governance, but it also reflected his packed schedule. His state visit to Russia, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties in defense and energy, underscores Indonesia’s ambition to assert itself on the global stage. By resolving the island dispute before departing, Prabowo signaled that domestic stability remains his priority.

Voices from the Ground

For Acehnese residents, the decision is a victory for cultural identity. Nurul Huda, a community leader in Banda Aceh, said: “This is not just about land; it’s about who we are. The islands are part of our history, our way of life.” Fishermen like Ahmad Syah expressed relief, noting that the resolution ensures their access to traditional fishing grounds.

In North Sumatra, reactions were more muted. Some local officials privately expressed disappointment, citing lost opportunities for tourism development. However, Governor Nasution publicly endorsed the resolution, emphasizing cooperation. “We respect the decision and will work together with Aceh for the prosperity of our people,” he said in a statement.

Analysts see the resolution as a pragmatic move by Jakarta to defuse tensions in Aceh, where memories of conflict remain fresh. “Aceh’s special autonomy is a sensitive issue,” said Dr. Lina Sari, a political scientist at the University of Indonesia. “By siding with Aceh, Prabowo avoids reigniting old grievances while reinforcing central authority.”

Looking Ahead

The resolution sets a precedent for handling territorial disputes in Indonesia, where overlapping claims are common. The Malacca Strait, in particular, is a hotspot for such conflicts due to its economic and strategic importance. The government has pledged to review provincial boundaries to prevent similar disputes, though experts warn that the process could take years.

For now, the focus is on implementation. Aceh’s administration plans to strengthen its presence on the islands, including by improving infrastructure for fishing communities. North Sumatra, meanwhile, is exploring joint economic initiatives with Aceh to maintain goodwill.

The dispute’s resolution is a rare moment of consensus in a nation often divided by regional rivalries. As Indonesia navigates its complex identity, Prabowo’s mediation offers a glimpse of how decisive leadership can bridge divides—provided it respects the voices of those on the ground.