Jakarta, June 14, 2025
Island Dispute Lands on President’s Desk
A territorial dispute between Aceh and North Sumatra provinces over four islands has escalated, now requiring President Prabowo Subianto’s intervention to resolve.
- President Prabowo Subianto has taken over the resolution of the island boundary issue.
- A decision on the islands’ ownership is expected within a week.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs previously supported North Sumatra’s claim.
The ownership of four disputed islands has become a hot topic in Indonesia, with President Prabowo Subianto stepping in to mediate the ongoing conflict between the Aceh and North Sumatra provinces. Deputy Speaker of the House, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, confirmed that Prabowo is now directly involved after communications with the Indonesian Parliament.
Dasco reported on Saturday (6/14/2025) that Prabowo decided to take the best course of action to end the issue. According to Dasco, Prabowo aims to have a decision finalized within the next week regarding the transfer of ownership.
The contested islands, currently causing tension, include Panjang Island, Lipan Island, Mangkir Gadang Island, and Mangkir Ketek Island. These islands are now considered part of the North Sumatra region, but were initially part of Aceh.
The Root of the Problem
The Ministry of Home Affairs supported North Sumatra’s claims through a decision published on April 25, 2025. Syakir, Head of the Regional Government and Regional Autonomy Bureau of the Aceh Regional Secretariat, stated on Monday (5/26) that the process of changing the islands’ status had begun before 2022.
The Aceh Provincial Government is contesting the decision and is still fighting for the four islands to be re-entered into Aceh’s administrative area.
Ministry of Home Affairs’ Explanation
The Ministry of Home Affairs explained the island dispute began with a name change proposed by the Aceh Provincial Government in 2009. Safrizal, from the Ministry of Home Affairs, said the National Team for the Development of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ruanggi found 213 islands in the North Sumatra region, including the four disputed islands.
Safrizal stated during a press conference at the Ministry of Home Affairs Office, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (11/6): “The results of the verification, received confirmation from the Governor of North Sumatra, through a number 125, in 2009 which stated that the Sumatra Province consisted of 213 islands, including the four islands, the four islands.”
Island dispute Lands on President’s Desk
A territorial dispute between Aceh and North Sumatra provinces over four islands has escalated, now requiring President Prabowo Subianto’s intervention to resolve. The Ministry of Home Affairs previously supported North Sumatra’s claim,but Aceh is contesting the decision.
- President Prabowo Subianto is directly involved in resolving the ownership dispute.
- A decision on the islands’ ownership is expected within the next week.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs initially supported North Sumatra’s claim, but Aceh is contesting it.
Jakarta, June 14, 2025 – The ownership of four islands has become a focal point of contention in Indonesia, with President Prabowo Subianto stepping in to mediate the ongoing conflict between the Aceh and North Sumatra provinces. The move comes as the dispute, involving the islands of Panjang, Lipan, Mangkir Gadang, and Mangkir Ketek, intensified after the Ministry of home affairs initially sided with North Sumatra [[2]].
Deputy Speaker of the house, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, confirmed Prabowo’s direct involvement, stating that the President is now handling the issue following communications with the Indonesian Parliament. Dasco reported on Saturday (6/14/2025) that Prabowo decided to take the best course of action to end the issue.
According to Dasco, Prabowo aims to finalize a decision within the next week regarding the transfer of ownership. This urgency underscores the meaning of the dispute and the need for a swift resolution.
The islands in question-Panjang Island, lipan Island, Mangkir gadang Island, and Mangkir Ketek Island-are currently considered part of the North Sumatra region, a designation that Aceh is challenging. The Aceh Provincial Government is actively contesting the decision.
Timeline of Events
The dispute’s root cause can be traced to a proposal from the Aceh Provincial Government in 2009.This proposal involved a name change, which ultimately led to the Ministry of Home Affairs’ involvement.A team from the Ministry found that the islands were part of North Sumatra’s territory.
The Ministry of Home affairs supported North Sumatra’s claims through a decision published on April 25, 2025. Syakir, Head of the Regional Government and Regional Autonomy Bureau of the Aceh Regional secretariat, stated on Monday (5/26) that the process of changing the islands’ status had begun before 2022 [[2]].
What’s at Stake?
The four islands’ ownership is more than just a matter of administrative boundaries; it involves resources and potential economic opportunities. The lack of clarity can lead to conflicts and impede economic growth. This makes a resolution critical for good governance and regional progress.
Why is This Happening Now?
The escalation of the dispute reflects several factors. The Ministry of Home Affairs’ initial decision in favor of North Sumatra, combined with Aceh’s firm opposition, created a situation where presidential intervention became necessary. The involvement of parliamentary figures such as Dasco also indicates the national importance of the issue [[2]].
What Happens Next?
president Prabowo’s intervention opens a new chapter in the dispute. His role as a mediator suggests a commitment to finding a solution acceptable to all parties. The next week will be crucial as the President works to finalize the ownership designation, which could set a precedent for similar disagreements in the future.
Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This is a simple administrative issue.
Fact: The dispute involves meaningful economic and regional governance implications.
- Myth: The Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision is final.
Fact: Aceh is actively contesting the decision, with the President now involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are thes islands disputed?
A: The dispute centers on administrative boundaries and ownership claims between Aceh and North sumatra provinces.
Q: Who is involved in resolving the conflict?
A: President Prabowo Subianto is directly involved, along with the Aceh and North Sumatra provincial governments.
Q: What is the timeline for a decision?
A: A decision is expected to be finalized within the next week.
Q: What are the potential implications if the dispute isn’t resolved?
A: Unresolved disputes can impede regional development and create conflicts.
Q: What role does the Ministry of Home Affairs play?
A: The Ministry initially supported North Sumatra’s claim, but the issue is now under presidential review.
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