BIREUEN, ACEH 5/11/2026– Arizal Mahdi, Chairman of Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas (RPR-LB), has called on the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) to give serious attention to developments in Aceh and consider visiting the province to hear directly the concerns and aspirations of its people.
He has also urged the United Nations to consider sending representatives to Aceh through appropriate diplomatic channels, enabling them to gain a clearer understanding of conditions on the ground, particularly in relation to civilian protection, the preservation of peace, humanitarian needs and the challenges still facing communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
Arizal said Aceh had endured decades of conflict and hardship. The signing of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding on 15 August 2005 marked a historic turning point in the province’s history. He emphasised that the peace established through that agreement must be safeguarded and sustained by all parties.
“Peace must mean more than an agreement signed on paper. It must be something that ordinary people can feel in their everyday lives. The people of Aceh deserve to live without fear, to work, to educate their children and to practise their faith in safety and dignity,” Arizal said.
Civilian Protection Must Remain a Priority
Referring to reports of a shooting incident in Pulo Keunari Village, Tiro District, Pidie Regency, on 4 November 2026, Arizal expressed deep concern over the reported loss of life and injuries.
He called for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be established through a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation, with anyone found responsible for wrongdoing held accountable in accordance with the law.
He stressed that the protection of civilians must remain a fundamental priority in every security operation.
“Ordinary people must never become victims of situations that could be resolved through communication, restraint and dialogue. The purpose of security measures is to protect the public, not to expose innocent people to danger. Any incident involving the loss of civilian life deserves serious and transparent scrutiny,” he said.
Calls for International Attention Through Diplomatic Channels
Arizal said the United Nations, with its commitment to international peace, human rights and humanitarian principles, could play a constructive role by encouraging dialogue and drawing attention to the welfare and protection of communities affected by conflict and natural disasters.
He urged the UN Secretary-General to consider receiving representatives of Acehnese civil society organisations and humanitarian groups, so that their concerns and experiences could be heard through appropriate channels.
He also called on the Government of Indonesia and the Government of Aceh to maintain open and constructive dialogue on matters affecting the province, including the implementation of the Helsinki peace agreement and issues concerning the Aceh flag, in accordance with the applicable legal framework.
“Our intention is not to create confrontation or undermine anyone. We simply want the voices of ordinary people to be heard. We want peace to be protected, justice to be upheld, and the safety and dignity of the people of Aceh to receive the attention they deserve,” Arizal stated.
Aceh’s Future Must Be Built on Peace and Dignity
Concluding his statement, Arizal said that future generations of Aceh should never have to endure the fear and suffering experienced by those who lived through previous periods of conflict.
He appealed to all parties to place humanity above their differences and work together to ensure that peace becomes a lasting reality for every community.
“Aceh has suffered enough. Our children deserve a future without fear. Our farmers deserve to cultivate their land in peace. Our families deserve to sleep at night without worrying about their safety.
“These are not unreasonable demands. They are the basic hopes of ordinary people who simply want to live, work and raise their families in peace.
“I sincerely hope that the Secretary-General of the United Nations will give serious consideration to Aceh, consider visiting our province and encourage constructive engagement through appropriate diplomatic channels. The people of Aceh deserve to be heard. Their aspirations for peace, justice and human dignity must not be overlooked,” Arizal concluded.
Relawan Peduli Rakyat Lintas Batas (RPR-LB)
Humanity Beyond Borders.
We Carry Your Kindness to Those Who Need It Most.
