The Wali Nanggroe Institute Gathers Acehnese Diaspora Aspirations to Strengthen the Helsinki MoU

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The Wali Nanggroe Institute (Lembaga Wali Nanggroe) gathered the aspirations of Acehnese people living abroad through a dialogue with community leaders, businesspeople, and Acehnese diaspora organizations in Medan, North Sumatra, on Saturday (August 1, 2026). The activity was part of a study on the implementation of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU Helsinki) and Law Number 11 of 2006 concerning the Governance of Aceh (UUPA).

The Head of Cooperation and Public Relations of the Wali Nanggroe Institute, Zulfikar Idris, stated that the dialogue was held to gather the views of Acehnese people living outside the region as material for developing strategic recommendations.

"This activity is part of a series of studies on the implementation of the Helsinki MoU and the Basic Agrarian Law to gather the views and aspirations of Acehnese people living abroad as material for developing strategic recommendations to His Excellency the Wali Nanggroe Aceh," said Zulfikar.

The dialogue was led by the Chairman of the Council of the Wali Nanggroe Council (Tuha Lapan Wali Nanggroe), Kamaruddin Andalah, who represented the Chair of the Study Team for the Implementation of the Helsinki MoU and the UUPA (Badan Agrarian Law) of the Wali Nanggroe Council, Prof. Dr. Syahrizal Abbas.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Study Team conveyed respectful greetings from His Excellency the Wali Nanggroe Aceh, who was unable to attend due to his ongoing health recovery. The team also emphasized that the meeting was part of an effort to strengthen communication between the Wali Nanggroe Aceh Council and the Acehnese diaspora as strategic partners in Aceh's development.

"We came not to convey conclusions, but to listen. The experiences, thoughts, and contributions of the Acehnese diaspora are a significant strength that must be part of policy formulation for Aceh's future. Therefore, all input presented in this forum will be compiled as recommendations to His Excellency the Wali Nanggroe Aceh," said Kamaruddin.

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During the dialogue, diaspora leaders assessed that the most important achievement of the Helsinki MoU was the realization of peace that ended the armed conflict and brought security stability to Aceh. This situation is considered to open up space for investment growth, development, education, and a better social life.

However, participants assessed that the implementation of several mandates of the Helsinki MoU and the Basic Agrarian Law still requires strengthening, particularly regarding Aceh's authority, natural resource management, land, regional fiscal matters, education, and the protection of Aceh's identity and uniqueness.

The forum also highlighted the contributions of the Acehnese community in North Sumatra through various community organizations, businesses, educational institutions, hospitals, places of worship, and social activities, which are considered instrumental in improving community welfare while maintaining Aceh's positive image among those living abroad.

In addition to encouraging closer collaboration between the Aceh Government, the Wali Nanggroe Institution, and the diaspora in the areas of investment, education, human resource development, economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and the promotion of Aceh's potential, the forum also produced several strategic proposals.

These proposals include the collection of data on social, educational, health, economic, and religious assets belonging to the Acehnese community in North Sumatra to strengthen their legality, governance, and the sustainability of their benefits. Participants also proposed developing a database for the Acehnese community, strengthening identity through the Acehnese Identity Card (KIOA), increasing legal protection for the diaspora, and developing scholarship programs, vocational education, and documenting Acehnese history and culture for the younger generation.

One proposal that received attention was the need for a stronger coordination mechanism between the Wali Nanggroe Institution (Lembaga Wali Nanggroe) and Acehnese communities outside the region. The Study Team stated that it would explore various alternatives for strengthening communication, including the possibility of establishing a coordination forum or other form of representation in accordance with statutory provisions.

The Secretary of the Aceh Sepakat Meusapat Council, Muhammad Jamil, stated that the Acehnese community in North Sumatra possesses resources, experience, and networks that can be crucial for the development of their region.

"The Acehnese community in North Sumatra has resources, experience, and networks that can be crucial for Aceh's development. We hope to foster more intensive communication between the Wali Nanggroe Institution, the Aceh Government, and the diaspora so that these various potentials can be synergized for Aceh's progress," he said.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Raviq, the Wali Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam Special Staff for Diplomacy and Foreign Cooperation, emphasized that all aspirations developed during the dialogue would be included in the Study Team's comprehensive report.

He stated that the meeting in Medan was part of a process of gathering aspirations from local governments, universities, community organizations, and the Acehnese diaspora.

All study results will be formulated into strategic recommendations to His Excellency the Wali Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam as input for the Aceh Government and the Central Government to strengthen the implementation of the Helsinki MoU, optimize the implementation of the UUPA, and strengthen synergy between Aceh and the Acehnese diaspora.[]

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