Marking 20 Years of the Helsinki MoU, the Wali Nanggroe Institution and Samudra University Push for Evaluation of Aceh’s Special Status

The Wali Nanggroe Institution (LWN), in collaboration with the Faculty of Law at Samudra University (Unsam) Langsa (Aceh, Indonesia), held an academic forum titled "Evaluating the Implementation of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Strengthening the Governance of Aceh’s Special Status."

Zulfikar Idris, Head of the Cooperation and Public Relations Division of the Wali Nanggroe Institution, stated that the event—held on July 8—served as a platform to evaluate the implementation of the Helsinki MoU and to strengthen the governance of Aceh’s special status within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia (NKRI).

Kamaruddin Andalah, S.Sos., M.Si., Chairman of the Tuha Lapan Council (Council of Eight Elders) of the Wali Nanggroe Institution, noted that the forum was part of an effort to foster synergy among customary institutions, higher education institutions, and various stakeholders in safeguarding peace in Aceh.

"This forum serves as an academic space to conduct an objective evaluation of the implementation of the 2005 Helsinki MoU and Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Government of Aceh (UUPA), which forms the basis for Aceh's governance," said Kamaruddin.

According to him, the Helsinki MoU stands not only as a milestone marking the end of armed conflict in Aceh but also as a foundation for building democratic governance, respecting the constitutional rights of the Acehnese people, and strengthening national unity through dialogue, reconciliation, and the rule of law.

During the forum, participants assessed that—more than 20 years after the signing of the Helsinki MoU—a comprehensive, scholarly, and constructive evaluation of its various implementation aspects is required. Such an evaluation is deemed crucial to ensure that all mandates incorporated into the UUPA are executed effectively, harmoniously, and in accordance with constitutional principles.

Vice Rector for Academic Affairs at Samudra University, Dr. Drs. Muhammad Natsir, S.H., M.H., emphasized that Aceh’s special status and privileges are part of Indonesia’s constitutional design, which recognizes regional diversity through the principle of asymmetric decentralization.

“Aceh’s special status must continue to be strengthened through legal mechanisms that provide certainty, fairness, and policy synchronization between the Central Government and the Aceh Government,” he stated.

Discussions at the forum also highlighted the importance of harmonizing the Law on the Governing of Aceh (UUPA) with various national laws and regulations to avoid overlapping norms or the curtailment of powers granted to Aceh under applicable legal provisions.

Furthermore, several strategic issues were addressed, including natural resource management, the strengthening of customary institutions, equitable economic development, environmental protection, and institutional capacity building to support Aceh’s sustainable development.

As a follow-up, the Wali Nanggroe Institution and the Faculty of Law at Samudra University (Unsam) agreed to strengthen cooperation through joint research, the drafting of academic papers, the regular holding of scholarly forums, the development of research-based policies, and public education regarding the Helsinki MoU, the UUPA, and constitutional law developments related to Aceh’s special status.

The dialogue forum also featured several other speakers. Representing the Wali Nanggroe Institution—in addition to Kamaruddin Andalah—were Special Staff to the Wali Nanggroe Dr. M. Raviq; Dr. Fajran Zain of the Helsinki MoU Implementation Guidance Team; and Laina Sari, S.H., Head of the Cooperation Sub-division at the Keurukon Katibul Wali (Wali Nanggroe Secretariat).

Meanwhile, attendees from Samudra University included the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Dr. Drs. Muhammad Natsir, S.H., M.H.; the Dean of the Faculty of Law Dr. Liza Agnesta Krisna, S.H., M.H.; the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs Rini Fitriani, S.H., M.H.; and the Vice Dean for Planning, Finance, and General Affairs Dr. Maria Ulfa, S.Pd., M.Hum.[]