Inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) Chairman Jusuf Kalla said the recent raising of the Gerakan Aceh Merdeka (GAM) flag by a small group does not reflect the will of the Acehnese people, stressing that Aceh has chosen peace and stability.

“Acehnese people want peace and have been enjoying it,” he said on Friday (2/1/2026), as cited by antaranews.com

Kalla described the incident as an emotional act by individuals and emphasized that displaying such symbols violates the 2005 Helsinki Peace Agreement, which prohibits the use of separatist emblems. He urged the public to respect the agreement that ended decades of conflict.

Separately, security forces dispersed a flag-raising incident in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, using a persuasive and non-violent approach. Authorities seized GAM-like banners voluntarily surrendered by participants and detained a man suspected of provoking the action while carrying a firearm and a traditional weapon.

The Indonesian Military (TNI) warned against provocations that could disrupt post-disaster recovery efforts in Aceh.

(mg/inp/pr/rs)