Jakarta – President prabowo Subianto is stepping in to resolve the dispute over four islands claimed by both Aceh and North Sumatra. The President will conduct a thorough evaluation of the matter.
The Indonesian President will personally address the contentious issue of four islands claimed by both Aceh and North Sumatra provinces, aiming for a resolution.
- President Prabowo will lead an evaluation of the island dispute.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs and the RuppaBumi National Team will participate.
- The issue involves four islands: Panjang, Lipan, Mangkir Gadang, and Mangkir Ketek.
What’s the deal with these islands? The President’s involvement stems from the ongoing debate over the four islands,which were previously part of the Aceh region but are now claimed by north sumatra.
“This afternoon at 2:00 pm we will conduct a thorough evaluation, the RuppaBumi National Team and the Ministry of Home Affairs,” said Wamendagri, Bima Arya, on Monday (6/16/2025).
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad revealed that President Prabowo took over the issue after discussions with the DPR. The resolution of this dispute is expected this week.
Did you know?-Island disputes are not uncommon. Maritime boundaries are often complex, leading to disagreements over territory and resources worldwide.
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Dasco said on Saturday (6/14/2025), “The results of the Indonesian Parliament dialog with the President of the republic of Indonesia that the President took over the issue of the island boundary which was the dynamics between the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra Province.”
The four islands in question-Panjang Island,lipan Island,Mangkir Gadang Island,and Mangkir Ketek Island-are currently causing confusion,as they are now considered part of North Sumatra,despite their historical ties to Aceh.
The Ministry of Home Affairs supported Bobby Nasution’s claim through a decree published on April 25, 2025.
Reader question:-How do you think historical ties should weigh against current administrative boundaries in resolving territorial disputes?
According to Syakir, Head of the Regional Government and regional Autonomy Bureau of the Aceh Regional Secretariat, the process of changing the status of the four islands began before 2022. In 2022, the Ministry of the Interior facilitated several Field Coordination and Survey Meetings. syakir made this statement on Monday (5/26).
The Aceh Provincial Government disagrees with the decision and is fighting to have the islands returned to their administrative area.
The Ministry of Home Affairs explained that the dispute began with a name change proposed by the Aceh Provincial Government in 2009.
Safrizal stated that the National Team for the Advancement of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ruanggi found 213 islands in the North Sumatra region, including Mangkir Gadang island, Mangkir Ketek Island, Lipan island and Panjang Island. Safrizal shared this during a press conference at the Ministry of Home Affairs Office, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday (11/6).
The Complexities of “Role” in the Aceh-North Sumatra island Dispute
The ongoing dispute over the four islands-Panjang, lipan, Mangkir Gadang, and Mangkir Ketek-highlights the complexities of defining “role” in territorial claims [[1]]. The term, when used in this context, delves into the ancient connection, administrative control, and the very identity of these isles.
President Prabowo’s involvement in the issue underlines the significance of what constitutes a definitive “role” in this matter. His evaluation, involving the Ministry of Home Affairs and the RuppaBumi National Team, will attempt to clarify this central question.
Defining the “Role” of Each Island
The fundamental question is: What role do these islands play, and who defines that role? Are they part of Aceh, as historically understood, or do they now function as part of North Sumatra under current administrative designations? The answer affects everything from resource allocation to cultural heritage.
The term “role” can also refer to how the islands function, such as their role in maritime trade or their environmental importance. Some use the term “rôle” as a more formal,perhaps legalistic delineation of the island’s function; though,the more common usage is simply “role” [[3]]. This reflects the modern preference for simpler language.
Historical Ties vs. Current Boundaries
the reader question posed in the original article-how historical ties should weigh against current administrative boundaries-is central to understanding the islands’ “role.” The Aceh Provincial Government strongly contests North Sumatra’s claim, emphasizing the historical connection the islands have to their region.
Deciding which province has jurisdiction hinges on weighing the past and present. This island dispute highlights how shifting administrative boundaries can cause confusion and disagreement.
The Ministry of Home Affairs’ Stance
The Ministry of Home Affairs backed Bobby nasution’s claim through a decree,effectively assigning the islands to North Sumatra. This decision emphasizes the current administrative role of the islands. Safrizal stated that the National Team for the Advancement of the Ministry of Home Affairs Ruanggi found over 200 islands in the North Sumatra region, including the four in question.
The process began before 2022. In 2009, the Aceh Provincial Government originally proposed a name change relating to the islands and the dispute was born. This has been the role of the islands ever since; a political hot potato between provinces.
what’s Next?
The expectation is that the President’s evaluation will provide clarity. But this situation underscores a more general truth.
Territorial disputes often involve the interplay of historical claims and current administrative realities. The resolution will substantially impact each island’s future role.
FAQs:
What is the primary issue at the heart of the island dispute?
The main issue is determining the administrative jurisdiction-specifically, whether the islands should belong to Aceh or North sumatra, considering both historical ties and current administrative boundaries.
What is President Prabowo’s role in resolving the dispute?
President Prabowo has “taken over the issue” following discussions, and will lead a thorough evaluation, to facilitate a resolution between the provinces.
What role has the Ministry of Home Affairs played in the dispute?
The Ministry of Home Affairs initially supported North Sumatra’s claim by decreeing the islands as part of the province. They also conducted an inventory of islands in the region.
Why is defining the “role” of the islands so crucial?
Defining the role is critical because it settles land ownership, resource rights, administrative accountability, cultural heritage and the identity of both the islands and the surrounding regions.
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