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Tension grows between North Sumatra, Aceh over disputed border
Some observers have expressed concern that the Home Ministry’s decision could trigger political instability in Aceh and create space for deeper social and political divisions.
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Home Minister Tito Karnavian (left) pins a badge to Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf (second left) during the inauguration of Aceh governor and deputy governor in Banda Aceh on Feb. 12. Tito inaugurated Muzakir and his deputy Fadhlullah (second right) as the province's gubernatorial pair after they won the province's regional head election in November 2024. (Antara/Khalis Surry)
T
he Home Ministry’s recent decision to place four long-disputed islands under North Sumatra’s administration despite competing claims from Aceh has sparked tension between the two provinces, with critics accusing the move of being politically motivated.
On April 25, the Home Ministry issued a decree declaring Lipan Island, Panjang Island, Mangkir Besar Island and Mangkir Kecil Island, located along the border between Central Tapanuli Regency in North Sumatra and Aceh Singkil Regency in Aceh, as part of North Sumatra.
Home Minister Tito Karnavian said the decision was made after a lengthy process involving eight central government institutions, including the Geospatial Information Agency, the Navy Hydro-Oceanography Center and the Army Topography Directorate.
“The process to resolve the dispute has been ongoing for a long time, well before I became Home Minister in 2019. Since both regencies were unable to reach an agreement on their maritime boundaries, the matter was referred to the central government,” he said on Tuesday, as quoted by Kompas.
According to the Home Ministry, the border dispute began in 2007, with both Aceh and North Sumatra claiming ownership of the islands.
Since then, the Home Ministry has issued at least three decrees, in 2017, 2021 and 2022, declaring the islands as part of North Sumatra. However, each decree was challenged by the Aceh administration.
Home Ministry officials stated that the decision to place the four uninhabited islands under North Sumatra’s administration was based on their geographic position, as they are located directly off the coast of Central Tapanuli.
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