Friday, 23 October 2026
JAKARTA | INDATANEWS.COM - Minister of Home Affairs Muhammad Tito Karnavian visited the Wali Nanggroe of Aceh, His Highness Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al-Haythar, who is currently undergoing medical treatment and recovery at a hospital in Penang, Malaysia. The visit reflects the central government's concern for the health condition of one of the prominent figures in Acehnese society.
Tito made the visit under the direct instruction of President of the Republic of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto. The President had received a report on the health condition of the Wali Nanggroe, who has been receiving treatment in Penang for nearly three months. During his visit on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Tito conveyed President Prabowo's respectful greetings and wishes for a speedy recovery, as well as his hope that the Wali Nanggroe would soon recover and return to his homeland."I convey to His Highness the Wali Nanggroe the respectful greetings and prayers of the President of the Republic of Indonesia, Mr. Prabowo Subianto. He hopes that His Highness will recover soon, complete the recovery process well, and return to Aceh shortly," Tito said, conveying the President's message.
President Prabowo's concern for the health of the Wali Nanggroe also underscores the government's appreciation for Tgk. Malik Mahmud's position as a prominent figure in Aceh's traditional and cultural life, as well as a symbol of unity among the people of Aceh.
Law No. 11 of 2006 on the Government of Aceh defines the Wali Nanggroe institution as an independent and respected traditional leadership institution. The institution plays an important role in maintaining the unity of the people of Aceh.Tito's visit was therefore not merely an occasion to deliver the President's message, but also demonstrated the government's attention to a traditional leader who holds a strategic position in the social life of Aceh.
During the meeting, Tito also received an update on the Wali Nanggroe's health condition. Tgk. Malik Mahmud said that his medical treatment was nearly complete and that his health continued to improve steadily.The development has raised optimism that the Wali Nanggroe will soon be able to conclude his medical stay in Penang and continue his recovery in Aceh.
Minister of Home Affairs Tito welcomed the news of the Wali Nanggroe's improving health. He expressed hope that Tgk. Malik Mahmud would complete all stages of his recovery in accordance with the recommendations of his medical team before resuming his various activities in Aceh.
Tito also emphasized that the recovery process must remain the highest priority so that the Wali Nanggroe's health can fully stabilize before he resumes his institutional responsibilities and other activities.Although he remains in Penang for medical treatment, Tgk. Malik Mahmud continues to participate online in various institutional engagements. This shows that his recovery period has not completely halted his activities as Wali Nanggroe, as he continues to carry out responsibilities and monitor developments of importance to the interests of the people of Aceh.
In July 2026, for example, Tgk. Malik Mahmud participated in a forum organized by the Supreme Court to prepare an academic paper for the establishment of a Sharia Commercial Court. At the time, he was still in the recovery phase and undergoing orthopedic physiotherapy in Penang.The Wali Nanggroe's participation in the event demonstrates his commitment to continuing to follow institutional processes despite his health condition requiring medical treatment abroad.
Tito's presence on behalf of President Prabowo also underscores the close relationship between the central government and the Wali Nanggroe. The gesture forms part of efforts to maintain communication, solidarity and harmonious relations with all groups within Aceh's society.
In view of his continued health improvement and the near completion of his medical treatment, Tgk. Malik Mahmud is expected to return to Aceh as planned in early September 2026. The government hopes that the Wali Nanggroe can continue his recovery optimally before fully resuming his various institutional responsibilities and activities in Aceh. (IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
