Four Aceh Islands Officially Transferred to North Sumatra, Aceh Singkil Protests

The Ministry of Home Affairs' decision to transfer four Aceh islands to North Sumatra sparks protests from Aceh Singkil and calls to review the central government's decree.

Minister of Home Affairs Regulation Number 300.2.2 2138 of 2025, issued on April 25, 2025, officially transferred the administrative status of four islands from Aceh Singkil to North Sumatra Province, triggering regional tensions. Pulau Panjang, Pulau Lipan, Pulau Mangkir Besar, and Pulau Mangkir Kecil are now formally under the jurisdiction of Central Tapanuli Regency.

On June 3, 2025, Safriadi Oyon, the Regent of Aceh Singkil, strongly rejected this decision through a formal declaration. He emphasized that, historically and culturally, these four islands are inseparable parts of Aceh Singkil's customary territory and demanded the revocation of the Minister of Home Affairs decree, arguing that it undermines the sovereignty rights of the local community.

Meanwhile, Bobby Nasution, the Regent of Central Tapanuli, stated that this determination came from the central government and was not proposed by North Sumatra Province. He offered to engage in dialogue for collaborative management of the islands’ natural resource potential alongside the Aceh provincial government but ruled out any option to return the territories to Aceh.

Political analyst Agi Betha suggested that economic interests are the driving force behind the territorial dispute between the two provinces. He noted the significant potential reserves of oil and gas around these islands have spurred administrative competition.

Azhari Cage, a member of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) from Aceh, described the policy as an arbitrary act by the central government that tarnishes Aceh's dignity. He urged the Aceh Provincial House of Representatives (DPRA) and the Governor of Aceh to file an official protest and demand a review of the Minister’s decree to protect territorial sovereignty.

The Ministry of Home Affairs stated it remains open to receiving official input from both provinces concerning a reassessment of the decision. To date, no meeting has been scheduled for clarification between the Aceh and North Sumatra provincial governments and the Ministry.