Lhokseumawe, Indonesia – UPT Bahasa, Kehumasan, dan Penerbitan Universitas Malikussaleh, in collaboration with the Lembaga Kajian Sosial dan Politik Aceh (LaKaspia), successfully conducted a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the evaluation of the 18th anniversary of the Aceh Peace Agreement. This critical examination centered on the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding, the implementation of Law No. 11/2006 on the Governance of Aceh, the use of Aceh’s Special Autonomy Funds, and their impact on community welfare.
The FGD took place at Meurah Silue Hall, Lancang Garam Campus, and was moderated by esteemed facilitator Bobby Rahman. The event was well-attended by a diverse group of participants including academics, electoral organizers from Panwaslih Aceh and Kota Lhokseumawe, members of the Himpunan Mahasiswa Islam (HMI) Lhokseumawe, political party leaders, representatives from various NGOs including Bytra, Sahara, PB HAM Aceh Utara, women’s and peace activists, government officials, journalists, and the Chair of the Independent Journalist Alliance (AJI).
Halik MSi, Director of LaKaspia, highlighted the institute’s role in research and publication concerning socio-political issues, conflict, and peace. Founded on December 10, 1999, and renewed on October 4, 2022, LaKaspia continues its significant contributions from its base in Banda Aceh. “Today’s discussion aims to reflect on the societal impacts of the Governance Law of Aceh and the utilization of the special autonomy funds. Our goal is to ensure that peace continues and prosperity is achieved,” Halik stated.
Teuku Kemal Fasya MHum, the FGD facilitator, emphasized the objective of the gathering was to assess the achievements of the Law No. 11 of 2006 on the Governance of Aceh and the ongoing special autonomy arrangement in terms of economic, social, cultural, educational, political, and security impacts.
The discussion aimed to produce valuable insights on various aspects of life post-Aceh Peace with a focus on the peace agreement and special autonomy regulations. It also sought to generate constructive criticism and suggestions for future improvements to enhance community welfare and support the sustained peace in Aceh. “This FGD utilized a focused discussion method to evaluate the government’s performance in various aspects, comparing the contents of the Helsinki MoU, UUPA, and the level of community welfare, allocation and use of the special autonomy funds, and proposing concrete steps to support better achievement and the perpetuation of peace in Aceh,” explained Kemal.