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- Political analyst from Analytics Indonesia, Denny Syah Putra, views President Prabowo Subianto's decision to designate four disputed islands as part of Aceh's administrative region as a step that is both appropriate and strategically meaningful, both politically and in terms of government management. Previously, the four islands had been a source of tension between Aceh Province and North Sumatra Province.
"Prabowo has decided that the four islands will remain within Aceh's territory, which is very good. Even though it had to go viral first, at the national level, not all information is known transparently," Denny said when contacted on Monday (17/6/2025).
Denny believes that this conflict demonstrates the weakness of the data recording system and inter-regional coordination, which should be a priority for improvement by the central government. According to him, the legal and administrative basis for territorial boundaries must be established objectively and transparently.
"The central government must ensure that the process of determining administrative boundaries is carried out objectively based on geospatial data, as well as historical documents," he said.
Inter-regional diplomacy
I also emphasize the importance of inter-regional diplomacy to avoid misunderstandings and potential further conflicts. In this case, Denny sees there is an unavoidable political dimension, especially regarding the economic consequences of transferring regions.
"If those four islands were included in North Sumatra, for example, then there would be consequences in terms of local tax revenue. This would certainly increase the approval rating," said Denny.
Denny believes that Prabowo's decision is also a response to growing public pressure developing through social media and news reporting.
"It's good if it turns out that the community and media are helping in highlighting government activities. The result is to improve misunderstandings or political motives that are detrimental," he said.
The process of setting administrative boundaries overlaps with political aspects because there is Governor of North Sumatra, Bobby Nasution, who is also President Joko Widodo's son-in-law for the period 2014-2024, involved in it. Speculation has arisen about whether Prabowo's decision indicates a difference in stance from Jokowi.
Regarding this, Denny assesses that Prabowo and Jokowi are not politically joining forces, but each has their own interests.
"Because each has its own interests, there are boundaries there. Is it possible to work together at another moment, for example by talking outside these four islands? It is very possible. As long as the interests of each political figure can be achieved. Whether they are left behind or not, politics is very dynamic," he said.
However, in the context of establishing administrative regions, Denny believes there are certain circumstances that can determine the approval rating.
"For example, the Jokowi clan has an interest in increasing the approval rating or electoral prospects by incorporating the four regions into North Sumatra, which could significantly increase their PAD report. Then, President Prabowo also needs to emphasize that the four islands remain part of Aceh’s territory due to the widespread rejection from the community," he said.
In this context, Denny also emphasized Jokowi's knowledge of the territorial dispute in Aceh and North Sumatra. "Was the process of transferring these four islands to the territory of North Sumatra known to Mr. Jokowi or not? Because it's possible that this was not always known," he said.
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