Prabowo Confirms Four Disputed Islands Belong To Aceh

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

JAKARTA, June 17 (Bernama) -- Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has confirmed that the four islands which have been the subject of a territorial dispute between two Indonesian provinces belong to Aceh, Minister of State Secretariat Prasetyo Hadi said on Tuesday.

The islands – Pulau Panjang, Pulau Lipan, Pulau Mangkir Gadang, and Pulau Mangkir Ketek – recently caused an uproar among the administrators of the Aceh and North Sumatra provinces.

“The president has ruled that, based on official government administrative documents, the four islands fall under Aceh's jurisdiction,” he said at a media conference at the Presidential Palace, which was broadcast live online. 

The decision regarding the jurisdiction of the islands was announced after a meeting chaired by Prabowo and was based on reports by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of State Secretariat, and the Governor of the Special Autonomous Province of Aceh.

Also in attendance at the meeting were Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian, North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, and Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf.

“With this decision, we hope to put an end to the fervour and speculations among the people,” said Prasetyo.

He also denied allegations of any unilateral attempt by a province to claim ownership of the islands.

Muzakir said the decision signifies a new chapter in the history of the two provinces.

“Today is a historic new chapter, no matter how small. We hope no one feels as though they have been give the raw end of the deal. May there be no more dispute and may there be lasting peace,” he said.

Bobby urged the North Sumatran public not to be swayed or influenced by sentiments that seek to cause disunity.

“This agreement has been reached amicably, swiftly, and with wisdom, thanks to the support of the president,” he added.

-- BERNAMA