Meulaboh, June 7, 2024 – The Institute for Social and Political Studies (LaKaspia) held a Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with the theme “Evaluation of 18 Years of Aceh Peace: Helsinki MoU, Implementation of Law No. 11/2006 on Aceh Government, Use of Aceh Special Autonomy Funds, and Its Impact on Community Welfare.” This event took place on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the Zaya Geust House Meeting Room, Meulaboh, West Aceh.
In the invitation sent to participants, LaKaspia Director Halik emphasized the importance of a comprehensive evaluation of the implementation of special autonomy in Aceh over nearly two decades. This FGD aims to assess the achievements of the implementation of Law No. 11 of 2006 and the administration of Aceh’s Special Autonomy, focusing on its impact on economic, social, cultural, educational, political, and security aspects.
The event was attended by about 20 active participants, including legislative members, academics, executive officials, local parties, national parties, religious leaders, community figures, NGO activists, women leaders, journalists, former combatants, students, youth organizations, and professional associations. This discussion is expected to produce constructive assessments and criticism, as well as suggestions and initiatives from various parties to promote more optimal achievements of Aceh’s peace aspirations. LaKaspia hopes this event can become a concrete step to support the improvement of the welfare of the Acehnese people and strengthen the synergy between the Aceh Government and the Government of the Republic of Indonesia in implementing special autonomy in Aceh.
The implementation of Law No. 11 of 2006 on the Aceh Government and the existence of special autonomy in Aceh are considered insufficient to improve the welfare and justice for the Acehnese people post-armed conflict and tsunami disaster. Despite being granted broad authority, the Aceh government still faces significant challenges in improving the quality of life of its people.
The purpose of this FGD is to evaluate the achievements of the implementation of Law No. 11/2006 and the administration of Aceh’s special autonomy after 18 years of peace, assess the impact of the implementation of this law on community welfare in various aspects, identify obstacles, and formulate strategic steps to achieve the goals of special autonomy.
The expected outcomes are notes on various aspects of Aceh’s community life post-peace, constructive assessments and criticism for improving community welfare, and multi-party suggestions and initiatives to promote the optimal achievement of Aceh’s peace. The focused discussion method addresses various questions related to the Aceh government’s achievements in economic, social, cultural, educational, political, and security aspects; comparisons between the contents of the Helsinki MoU, UUPA, and community welfare; and concrete steps to support the achievement and perpetuation of Aceh’s peace. The successful implementation of this activity is expected to provide a comprehensive evaluation that can serve as a basis for more effective policy improvement and development to enhance the welfare of the Acehnese people in the future. *@