In light of the recent ecological disaster in Aceh, we on behalf of Free Aceh movement (GAM), hereby issue the following statements.

Free Aceh Movement

Copenhagen, Denmark

Date: 13-12-2025

In light of the recent ecological disaster in Aceh, we on behalf of Free Aceh

movement (GAM), hereby issue the following statements.

First of all, we extend our heartfelt condolences to all those affected by this

tragedy. Our thoughts are with the families and communities facing loss,

displacement, and hardship.

Historically, Aceh has long held a distinguished place in the archipelago. Even

before Indonesia emerged as a nation-state, Aceh existed as a sovereign entity

under the Sultanate of Aceh Darussalam. When Indonesia declared its

independence, Aceh chose to join the new republic and provided critical

political, logistical, and financial support, thereby earning the title of daerah

modal, or “the foundational region.”

However, Aceh’s journey within the Indonesian state has not always been

harmonious. Despite its abundant natural resources, the region has frequently

lagged behind in development, endured prolonged conflicts, and repeatedly

ranked the poorest province in Sumatra.

Environmental degradation, particularly deforestation leading to recurring

floods and landslides, has recently claimed many lives, with the extent of

property damage yet to be fully assessed. This is a direct consequence of

relentless resource exploitation.

This raises a pressing question: where has Aceh’s wealth truly gone? The aim

here is not to challenge the existence of the Republic of Indonesia, but to

encourage critical reflection on governance, equity, and fairness.

It is the central government that exploits Aceh’s natural resources, yet it is the

Acehnese people who bear the consequences.

For a region with a long history of sovereignty and rich resources, it is

reasonable to reassess whether the relationship between Aceh and Jakarta is

genuinely equitable. Aceh deserves a political and economic status that prevents ongoing exploitation.

Reflecting on Aceh’s position within Indonesia is not a call for conflict, but a

plea for a fair, respectful, and mutually beneficial national relationship.

As the leader of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in exile. We continue to

honor and uphold our Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). We now

urge the Government of Indonesia (GOI) to demonstrate the same

commitment. And we must not allow the Acehnese to suffer and face conflict

again.

On this occasion, we respectfully urge the international community to:

● Provide urgent humanitarian assistance to flood victims.

● Strengthen comprehensive recovery and rehabilitation programs.

● Support the full restoration and revitalization of affected regions to

their prior condition.

We also call on the Government of Indonesia to officially designate the ongoing

ecological disaster as a national emergency.

Robust preventive measures must be undertaken to ensure such catastrophic

events do not recur, safeguarding the lives of the Acehnese, as well as those in

North Sumatra and West Sumatra, and protecting the ecological integrity of the

region for future generations.

Thank you

Johan Makmor

Chairman of Free Aceh Movement

For media inquiries, please contact:

Name : Makmor Habib Abdul Ghani

Web : https://freeacheh.org

Email : freeachehmovement.gam@gmail.com

Whatsapp : +45 50 11 29 45