Senator Azhari Cage Blasts North Sumatra Governor: Only a Madman Would Agree to Jointly Manage Aceh’s Islands

HNC – Indonesian Senator Azhari Cage has strongly condemned the idea of joint administration over four disputed islands between Aceh and North Sumatra, labeling the proposal as absurd and offensive to Aceh’s sovereignty. In a bold statement to journalists on Sunday, June 8, 2025, the outspoken Aceh-born senator said, “Only a madman would agree to jointly manage something that is rightfully ours.”

The four islands at the heart of the dispute—Panjang Island, Lipan Island, Mangkir Besar, and Mangkir Kecil—have long been historically and administratively tied to Aceh. However, a controversial decision from Indonesia’s Ministry of Home Affairs recently shifted administrative oversight of these islands to North Sumatra, sparking outrage from Acehnese leaders and citizens alike.

Azhari Cage emphasized that Aceh holds full ownership over the islands and called on the Aceh provincial government to firmly reject the proposal made by North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution, who had floated the idea of a “joint management” model as a middle ground.

“This is not a matter of collaboration. These islands belong to Aceh—historically, legally, and culturally. The notion of sharing management is both insulting and dangerous. We must not give away what is rightfully ours,” he stressed.

Evidence Rooted in History

Senator Azhari provided historical documentation to support Aceh’s claim. One key piece of evidence is a land certificate dated June 17, 1965, issued by the Head of Agrarian Inspection of the then “Atjeh Special Region,” naming a local resident from South Aceh, Teuku Daud bin T. Radja, as landholder. At that time, the Singkil area had not yet been administratively separated from South Aceh, reinforcing Aceh’s historical ties to the islands.

Further backing Aceh’s position are two signed agreements between the governments of North Sumatra and Aceh from 1988 and 1992. These agreements, endorsed by then-Minister of Home Affairs Rudini, reaffirmed the administrative boundaries, placing the islands firmly under Acehnese jurisdiction.

“We have legal documents, historical evidence, and binding agreements that prove these islands belong to Aceh. The Ministry’s recent decree contradicts decades of mutual understanding and sets a dangerous precedent for territorial governance,” Azhari stated.

A Battle Over Identity, Not Just Land

While the dispute may appear territorial on the surface, for many in Aceh, it cuts deeper. The islands symbolize more than land—they are tied to the cultural and historical identity of Aceh, which has long maintained a distinct status within Indonesia. Aceh is the only region in Indonesia granted special autonomy, including the implementation of Islamic law and control over local resources.

Azhari warned that any compromise on the matter would undermine not just Aceh’s legal rights but also its dignity.

“This is about more than land—it’s about honor, identity, and our future. If we accept joint control today, what will we lose tomorrow?” he asked rhetorically, urging the Acehnese government to file a formal protest and consider legal action against the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In his closing remarks, the senator called on all elements of Acehnese society—community leaders, scholars, youth, and activists—to unite in defending the territory.

“We must be vigilant. These four islands are not just geographic points on a map—they are a reflection of our past and a test of our resolve. We owe it to our ancestors and future generations to protect them,” he concluded.[Ph]