Prabowo to Address Aceh-North Sumatra Island Dispute Shortly, Says PCO

Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Reported by Antara, President Prabowo Subianto is expected to make a decision soon regarding the disputed four coastal islands between Aceh and North Sumatra Provinces, according to the Head of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), Hasan Nasbi, on Monday.

“The President has personally taken charge of this issue and has promised that it will be resolved as soon as possible,” Nasbi said in a statement.

Nasbi clarified that, in Indonesia’s governance system, territorial sovereignty falls under the authority of the central government, while regional governments only have administrative authority over areas within their jurisdiction, including island management.

“In our country’s framework, the central government holds sovereignty over the territory, while regional governments have administrative control over their areas,” he added.

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If disputes arise between regions over the management of an area or island, the central government is responsible for resolving the issue, Nasbi explained. He emphasized that any resolution must be approached in a calm and dialogical manner.

“There may also be a direct dialogue between Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf and North Sumatra Governor Muhammad Bobby Nasution as part of the resolution process,” he said.

President Prabowo will make a final decision on the matter after considering the community’s aspirations, historical context, and administrative records, Nasbi informed.

The dispute over the administrative boundaries between Aceh and North Sumatra, which dates back to 1928, resurfaced due to conflicting management claims over four islands in the border area of the two provinces.

The Minister of Home Affairs Decree No. 300.2.2-2138 of 2025 places four islands—Lipan, Panjang, Mangkir Ketek, and Mangkir Gadang—under the administrative jurisdiction of North Sumatra Province, specifically Central Tapanuli District, which borders Aceh Singkil District.

Both Aceh and North Sumatra have contested the decree, each claiming historical and administrative ties to the islands. (BL)