Aceh-North Island 4 Dispute, DPR Encourages Revision Of PP And Permendagri Regarding Regional Boundaries

Illustration of Islands in Indonesia (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives Ahmad Irawan proposed that the determination of regional boundaries be regulated by a separate law (UU) following the dispute of 4 islands between Aceh Province and North Sumatra Province (North Sumatra). He also encouraged revisions to a number of government regulations related to this issue.

This was said by Irawan in anticipation of regional boundary disputes between regions such as what happened between Aceh and North Sumatra which has been busy lately.

"In the future, it is more adequate than the constitutional aspect so that arrangements regarding regional boundaries are regulated and stipulated through law. Because in fact, regional boundaries concern the imagination of the nation and region about its history, culture, future and so on," said Irawan, Monday, June 16.

In addition to the special law, Irawan also believes that adjustments are needed in Government Regulation (PP) Number 43 of 2021 and Regulation of the Minister of Home Affairs (Permendagri) Number 141 of 2017.

Meanwhile, Government Regulation Number 43 of 2021 regulates the Settlement of Spatial Disadvantages, Forest Areas, Permits, and/or Land Rights. Meanwhile, Permendagri Number 141 of 2017 is a guideline for affirming regional boundaries.

"PP regarding the settlement of regional disputes and Permendagri regarding regional boundaries, we must also encourage it to be revised to anticipate cases like this happening again in the future," said Irawan.

On the other hand, Irawan highlighted the narratives circulating in the community regarding the issue of the 4 islands. Although on social media the issue of regional disputes caused controversy, Irawan assessed that the polemic would not cause disintegration as some circles feared.

"There will be no disintegration. We are already bound by feelings (common soul) as a nation from Sabang to Merauke," explained the legislator from the East Java V electoral district.

Commission II of the DPR itself has not clarified this issue to the Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian considering that the DPR is currently in recess, so there are no working meetings with government partners.

"During the trial period, the Ministry of Home Affairs always communicates and explains things that are strategic and significant to Commission II," said Irawan.

Furthermore, the member of the commission in the DPR in charge of government administration and regional autonomy appreciated President Prabowo Subianto's move which was said to be taking over the settlement of the disputes on the 4 islands. Irawan hopes that the issue of these 4 islands can be resolved quickly with Prabowo's involvement.

"As a member of the DPR RI, I appreciate this political desire because it will make the solution mechanism more effective and more credible, the results can be accepted by the parties," he said.

For information, President Prabowo Subianto is said to be taking over the settlement of regional boundary disputes involving the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra. This was revealed by the Deputy Speaker of the Indonesian House of Representatives as well as the Daily Chair of the Gerindra Party DPP, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, after communicating directly with Prabowo some time ago.

Irawan is of the view that President Prabowo is not taking over the responsibility and authority of the Minister of Home Affairs, but wants to resolve and decide directly on the island dispute case between Aceh and North Sumatra.

"Not taking over responsibility, but President Prabowo wants to go down directly to overcome, resolve and decide on this issue," explained Irawan.

Irawan also believes that Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian has the ability to handle the 4 island dispute between the two neighboring provinces.

"Although I still believe and believe, with the rights and authorities inherent in the Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian plus a series of experiences, the Minister of Home Affairs also has the ability to complete it," he said.

Based on information from the leadership of Commission II, the DPR will schedule summons to the Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, the Governor of North Sumatra (North Sumatra) Bobby Nasution, and the Governor of Aceh Muzakir Manaf regarding the dispute of 4 islands. However, waiting for the recess period to be completed in the range at the end of June.

Commission II of the DPR will also summon Aceh Singkil Regent Safriadi Oyon and Central Tapanuli Regent Masinto Pasaribu to resolve the polemic.

"We hope that the dispute or polemic of the 4 islands between Aceh and North Sumatra can be resolved properly, and by prioritizing the principle of kinship and unity," concluded Irawan.

As is known, regional boundary disputes between Aceh and North Sumatra emerged after the determination of regional codification by the central government which triggered rejection from a number of parties in Aceh. The transfer of the status of the four islands is contained in the Decree of the Minister of Home Affairs (Kepmendagri) which was issued on April 25, 2025.

The four disputed islands are Mangkir Gadang Island, Mangkir Ketek Island, Lipan Island, and Panjang Island which are currently listed in the administration of Central Tapanuli Regency, North Sumatra. This island was previously in administrative terms of Aceh Singkil Regency, Aceh Province.

Minister of Home Affairs (Mendagri) Tito Karnavian said the Minister of Home Affairs No. 300.2.2-2138/2025 concerning Code Provision and Update, Data on Government and Island Administration Areas have passed a geographical location study and decision considerations involving various agencies. According to him, the border dispute between the four islands between Aceh Province and North Sumatra Province has been complicated and has occurred for a long time.

Tito said the Ministry of Home Affairs had to set a boundary for the four islands because they were related to the naming of the islands that must be registered with the United Nations (UN). He also said he would not object if the Aceh Provincial Government sued the Decree of the Ministry of Home Affairs regarding the transfer of the four islands to North Sumatra.