Bamsoet Condemns the Lowering of the Red and White Flags and the Harassment of Garuda on Aceh Peace Day
Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Golkar Party Faction Bambang Soesatyo (Bamsoet) condemned the riots that occurred during the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration in the area of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, Saturday (15/8/2026).
Bamsoet highlighted the action of lowering the Red and White flag and removing the Garuda Pancasila emblem in the series of riots. According to him, this action has the potential to damage the spirit of peace in Aceh which has been maintained for more than two decades.
"I strongly condemn the action of lowering the Red and White flag and removing and trampling on the Garuda Pancasila state emblem in the Aceh Peace Day commemoration. Such actions are very provocative and have the potential to damage the spirit of peace that has been built with great difficulty for 21 years," said Bamsoet in Jakarta, Sunday (16/8/2026).
He asked law enforcement officers to thoroughly investigate the incident and punish the perpetrators in accordance with applicable laws.
Bamsoet asks for continued law enforcement
Bamsoet emphasized that law enforcement must be carried out professionally, objectively, and measured. According to him, the actions of the police should not expand the conflict in Aceh.
He asked the police to distinguish between people who convey aspirations peacefully and individuals who carry out provocations, violence, destruction, or actions that degrade state symbols.
"A thorough investigation must be carried out professionally, objectively, and transparently. Don't let the actions of a few people then be generalized as the attitude of the entire Acehnese community," he said.
Bamsoet believes that the majority of Acehnese people still appreciate peace. Therefore, he asked that the delivery of aspirations, criticism, and differences of opinion should still be carried out through the legal corridor and without violence.
Government asked to evaluate the riots of Aceh Peace Day
Bamsoet also asked the central government together with the Aceh Government to conduct a thorough evaluation of the riots that occurred on the anniversary of Aceh Peace Day.
The evaluation is considered important to prevent similar incidents from happening again, as well as to ensure that the aspirations of the Acehnese people can be absorbed and resolved through the available mechanisms.
Apart from the government, Bamsoet invited all elements of the Acehnese people, from religious figures, traditional figures, former combatants, community figures, youth to civil society groups, not to be easily provoked.
According to him, the peace of Aceh which has been maintained for two decades is a very valuable historical capital and should not be risked due to a moment's provocation.
"Aceh has proven that differences and conflicts can be resolved through the negotiating table. If there are still problems regarding the implementation of Aceh's specificity, welfare, natural resources, infrastructure, or other things that are felt to be incomplete, everything must be fought through political, legal, and dialogue channels," said Bamsoet.
He invited all parties to refrain, maintain order, and together care for Aceh's peace so that it remains safe.