Thursday, 05 November 2026
BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM - Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah has expressed deep sorrow over a shooting incident that claimed the life of a resident during a celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW) in Gampong Pulo Keunari, Tiro Subdistrict, Pidie Regency. He called on all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritise dialogue to prevent the incident from escalating into a wider conflict.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, 4 November 2026. A local resident was reportedly killed after being struck by a bullet during a tense situation. Tensions had arisen following the raising of the Bendera Bintang Bulan, a flag featuring a crescent moon and star, at the event venue.Fadhlullah, commonly known as Dek Fadh, expressed regret over the incident, which had claimed a human life. He extended his condolences to the victim's family and recalled that the incident had taken place in an atmosphere that should have been characterised by community spirit and religious values.
In a statement issued in Banda Aceh on Thursday, 5 November 2026, Dek Fadh said he had learnt of the incident while accompanying Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra in Banda Aceh."I am deeply saddened and distressed to hear about this incident. On behalf of my family and the Aceh Government, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family of the victim who lost their life in the incident in Pidie," he said.
Aceh's Deputy Governor emphasised that public safety must be the top priority for all parties involved in responding to the incident in Pidie. He noted that the loss of life in an incident involving members of the community was a tragedy that left the bereaved family in profound sorrow.
"We are deeply saddened. No family wants to lose a loved one, especially in an atmosphere that should have been filled with community spirit and religious values," Dek Fadh added.In his view, the celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW) should serve as an occasion to strengthen brotherhood, foster closer relationships between people and promote religious values in everyday life.
He therefore urged all parties to place public safety at the forefront of every effort to resolve the issue. He also warned that tensions could lead to actions resulting in further casualties."The most important thing is public safety. We do not want anyone else to be injured or even lose their life. I hope all parties will exercise restraint, prioritise dialogue and not allow this issue to develop into a wider conflict," he said.
According to Dek Fadh, maintaining security and stability in Aceh requires a measured approach from all parties involved. Any issue involving members of the community must be resolved with due consideration for people's safety and its impact on social life.
Dek Fadh also addressed the controversy surrounding the raising of the Bendera Bintang Bulan, which had triggered tensions during the Maulid celebration in Pidie. He stressed that differing views over the flag must not lead to violence or endanger civilian lives.
He called on all parties to address the issue with dignity and a cool head. In his view, dialogue is an important means of easing tensions while preventing the dispute from developing into a broader conflict."Every issue should be resolved calmly. We must ensure that Aceh remains peaceful. Differences of opinion must not lead to people losing their lives or destroy the bonds of brotherhood among the people of Aceh," Dek Fadh said.
His statement underlines the importance of maintaining peace in Aceh amid growing tensions within society. Dek Fadh hopes that all parties will exercise self-restraint, rely on communication and avoid actions that could further escalate the situation.For the Aceh Government, public safety and the preservation of social solidarity remain the foremost priorities in addressing the issue. He stressed that a solution based on dialogue and mutual respect is essential to ensure that the public does not have to experience a similar tragedy again.
The incident in Gampong Pulo Keunari once again demonstrates the need to address differences of opinion with caution. Amid the grief, Dek Fadh called on the entire community to remain calm and not allow the flag dispute to undermine peace and brotherhood in Aceh. (IDNC)REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
