Opening the 2025 Aceh Special Region Development Planning Meeting (Musrenbang) in Batam, Wali Nanggroe Affirms Strengthening Aceh-ASEAN Integration |

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The Wali of Nanggroe Aceh, His Excellency Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al Haythar, officially opened the 2025 Aceh Special Region Development Planning Meeting (Musrenbang-KA) held in Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia, on Sunday, November 23, 2025.

In his remarks before opening the Musrenbang, the Wali Nanggroe expressed his gratitude for being able to gather in Batam and meet with the people and sons and daughters of Aceh residing in the region.

The Wali Nanggroe also expressed his hope that the meeting would further strengthen cooperation between Aceh and Batam, particularly with the Riau Islands Province, in various development sectors.

He emphasized that the selection of Batam as the location for the Musrenbang was strategic. Batam, as an economic hub and international gateway, is seen as reflecting Aceh's desire to become more integrated with the Sumatra region and ASEAN.

"Aceh's position as the western gateway of ASEAN, along with its proximity to Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore, provides significant capital for strengthening regional collaboration in the maritime sector, the halal industry, energy, tourism, and other sectors," said Wali Nanggroe, as conveyed by Zulfikar Idris, Head of the Wali Nanggroe's Cooperation and Public Relations Division.

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"As I said, Aceh is actually close to this region. Even regions like Singapore have historical connections with Aceh in the past. Therefore, it is our shared obligation to strengthen ties between Aceh and this region, both economically, socially, and culturally," added Wali Nanggroe.

He also emphasized that Aceh's uniqueness in customs, culture, and sharia is not merely an identity, but a strategic pillar that adds value to the cultural economy, Islamic education, and public diplomacy at the international level.

The direction of Aceh's development in 2025, he continued, must focus on regional integration and strengthening local strengths, including governance of special status, Aceh-Sumatra-ASEAN connectivity, and efforts to strengthen the benefits of peace to encourage more dynamic economic growth.

At the conclusion of his remarks, the Wali Nanggroe invited all participants in the meeting to unite, innovate, and uphold the dignity of the Acehnese people so that Aceh will become more advanced, influential, and competitive on the global stage.

Meanwhile, representing the Mayor of Batam, the Head of the Batam City DPMPTSP and a native of Aceh, Reza Khadafy, SSTP., MPA., expressed his deep appreciation for the presence of the Wali Nanggroe and the entire entourage.

"On behalf of the Batam City Government, we express our deepest gratitude for the presence of His Excellency the Wali Nanggroe. We believe that this activity will benefit not only the people of Aceh, but also Batam," he said.

Reza also emphasized the strong historical relationship between Aceh and Batam. Many Acehnese have long lived in Batam, establishing meunasah (small mosques), holding maulid (Islamic birthday celebrations), and actively participating in the city's social and economic life. He hopes the Aceh government will implement more activities in Batam to strengthen solidarity and interregional networks.[]

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