Aceh Islands Dispute: Lawmaker Urges President Prabowo to Sanction Minister Tito Over Island Transfer Controversy
Jakarta, Indonesia – A Member Of The Indonesian Parliament (Dpr) representing Aceh I electoral district, Muslim Job, is calling on President Prabowo Subianto to sanction the Minister Of Home Affairs, Tito Karnavian. This request stems from a controversial decision regarding the administrative status of four islands; which were previously part of Aceh Singkil and are now designated under North Sumatra.
The Call For Action Follows Public Discontent And President Prabowo’s Proclamation That He Would Personally Address The Issue To Alleviate The Dispute Between Aceh And North Sumatra.
lawmaker Demands Accountability in Aceh Islands Transfer
Muslim Job Emphasized The Need For Accountability During An Online Discussion About The Four Islands Conflict On Saturday, June 14, 2025.
“If it has become A stir to the public, the president must also give punishment to his subordinates. Do not just. For me, Mr. Tito must be given a warning because it gives a decision,” Muslim Job stated.
The Dpr Member Highlighted That The Decision Has Caused Meaningful Concern and Disquiet Among the Public.
Public Outcry and Parliamentary Concerns
According To The Lawmaker, The Controversial Decision Has Reverberated Throughout Indonesian Society, Raising Questions About The Responsibilities And Impact Of Government Actions.
“We are the choice of the people. As if we are not responsible for taking 4 islands. We have become a monthly month,” He Lamented, Indicating Perceived Damage To The parliament’s Reputation.
He Further Expressed His Discomfort Wiht The Situation, deeming The Decision “Not True.”
Call For Decisive Action
While Expressing Confidence In President Prabowo’s Ability To Make Sound Policy decisions, The Dpr Member Insisted That Minister Tito Should Still Face Reprimand.
“If I am the governor, the head of my service who gives a horrendous decision, if something is related to public unrest, that day I fired, Ma’am. If I am. But we don’t say that. But we must be given a lesson too,” He Asserted,Emphasizing The Need For Consequences when Decisions Lead To Public Discontent.
Background of the Aceh-North Sumatra Island Dispute
The Ministry Of Home Affairs’ Decision To Shift The Status Of The four Islands From Aceh To North Sumatra Has sparked Widespread Criticism and Controversy.
The Decision Has Reignited A Decades-Old Regional Dispute, as both The Aceh Provincial Government And the North Sumatra Provincial Government lay Claim To the Islands.
The Aceh Provincial Government cites Historical Ties To The Islands, While The North Sumatra Provincial Government Relies On Survey Results Conducted By The Ministry Of Home Affairs.
The Disputed Regulation Is Formally Known As The Decree Of The Minister Of Home Affairs (Kepmendagri) No. 300.2.2-2138 Of 2025 Concerning The Provision And Updating Of Code And Data On Government And island Administration Areas.
The Four islands In question Are Kecil Kecil Island, Mangkir Besar Island, Panjang Island, And Lipan Island.
DPR Intervention and Presidential Involvement
Deputy Speaker Of The House Of Representatives, Sufmi Dasco Ahmad, Confirmed That The Dpr Has Communicated With President Prabowo Subianto Regarding the Polemic Surrounding The Transfer Of Ownership Of The Aceh Islands To North Sumatra.
Understanding the Aceh-North Sumatra Territorial Dispute
Territorial Disputes Between Provinces In Indonesia, While Relatively Uncommon, Often Stem From A Complex Interplay Of Historical Claims, Resource Control, and Administrative Boundaries.
- Historical Claims: Provinces Frequently enough Base Their Claims On Historical Records, Customary Land Ownership, And Cultural Affiliations.
- Resource Control: The Presence Of Natural Resources Such As Minerals, Oil, Or Fisheries Can Significantly Intensify Territorial Disputes Due To The Economic Benefits Associated With Them.
- Administrative Boundaries: Unclear Or Disputed Administrative Boundaries Established During Colonial Times Or Early independence can Lead To Conflicting Interpretations Of Territorial Jurisdiction.
Analyzing The Key Players
Understanding The Motivations And Positions Of Key Individuals And Institutions Is Crucial To Comprehending The Nuances Of This Dispute.
| Key Player | Position | Influence |
|---|---|---|
| President Prabowo Subianto | President Of Indonesia | Ultimate Authority To Mediate And Resolve The Dispute |
| Minister Tito Karnavian | Minister Of Home Affairs | Responsible For The Initial Decision That Sparked The Conflict. |
| Muslim Job | Dpr Member (Aceh I) | Vocal Critic Of The Decision And Advocate For Aceh’s Interests. |
| Aceh Provincial Government | regional Government Of Aceh | Claims Historical Ownership Of The Islands. |
| North Sumatra Provincial government | Regional Government of North Sumatra | Claims The Islands Based On ministry Of Home Affairs Survey Results. |
Frequently Asked Questions About The Aceh Islands Dispute
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Why is there a dispute over the Aceh islands?
The Dispute Arises From A Decision By The Minister Of Home Affairs To Transfer Administrative Control Of Four Islands Traditionally Considered Part Of Aceh Province To North Sumatra Province.This Has Stirred Up Long-Standing Regional Tensions And Conflicting Claims Over The Islands’ Historical And Survey-Based Ownership.
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What action is being requested of President Prabowo regarding the islands dispute?
A member Of The Indonesian Parliament Is Urging President Prabowo Subianto To Impose Sanctions On The Minister Of Home Affairs,Tito Karnavian,For Making The Decision That Led To The Aceh Islands dispute. The Lawmaker Believes The Minister’s Actions Have caused Public Unrest And Undermined The parliament’s Role.
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Which Aceh islands are at the center of the controversy?
The Four Aceh Islands Involved In The Controversy Are Kecil Kecil Island, Mangkir Besar Island, Panjang Island, And Lipan Island. These Islands Were Previously Under The Administration Of Aceh But Have Now Been Designated As Part Of North Sumatra.
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What is the basis for North Sumatra’s claim to the disputed islands?
North Sumatra Province Bases Its Claim To The disputed Islands On Survey Results Conducted By The Ministry Of Home Affairs. these Surveys Presumably Provide Data Supporting The Reclassification of The Islands Under North sumatra’s Administrative Control.
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Has President Prabowo Subianto addressed the Aceh islands dispute?
Yes, According To Reports, President prabowo Subianto Has Decided To Take Over The Handling Of The Aceh Islands dispute. This Indicates A High-Level Intervention To Resolve The Conflict Between Aceh And North Sumatra Provinces.
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what prompted the call for sanctions against minister Tito?
The Call For Sanctions Against Minister tito Karnavian Arose From Public Outcry And Concern Over The Minister’s Decision To Transfer The Islands, Which Was perceived As A Contributor To Regional Conflict And A Disregard for Aceh’s Historical Claims.
What are your thoughts on the Aceh islands dispute? Should Minister Tito face sanctions? Share your comments below.