Wali Nanggroe Urges Post-Disaster Aceh Development to Focus Not Only on Physical Aspects, But Also on Social and Traditional Recovery
The Excellency, the Wali Nanggroe Aceh, His Excellency Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al Haythar, emphasized that post-disaster Aceh development should not focus solely on physical aspects, but must also encompass social recovery and the strengthening of traditional values as the foundation of community life.
This assertion was delivered in his address at the opening of the 2026 Aceh Customary Council (MAA) Grand Conference, held in Meuligoe Wali Nanggroe on Tuesday, April 7, 2026. The event was attended by representatives of the Aceh Government, MAA leaders at the Aceh and district/city levels, religious scholars, traditional figures, intellectuals, and members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda).
The Head of Cooperation and Public Relations for Wali Nanggroe, Zulfikar Idris, stated that the event was also attended by Aceh Police Chief Marzuki Ali Basyah, Assistant I to the Aceh Regional Secretary, Chief of Expert Staff of the Iskandar Muda Military Command, Director of Community Development of the Aceh Police, representatives of the Aceh Sharia Court, Head of Intelligence Assistant II of the Aceh High Prosecutor's Office, Chairman of Commission VII of the Aceh House of Representatives, and the Rector of ISBI Aceh.
In his remarks, Wali Nanggroe emphasized that the MAA Grand Conference is not merely a routine agenda, but a strategic opportunity to determine the future direction of Acehnese civilization, rooted in tradition and sharia.
"Aceh is not just a region, but an identity, honor, and civilization founded on tradition and sharia," he said.
Referring to the Acehnese philosophy, "Adat is like Poteumeureuhom, Hukom is like Syiah Kuala, Qanun is like Putroe Phang, Reusam is like Admiral," he emphasized that Aceh's sustainability is largely determined by the strength of the traditional values that live within the community.
In particular, the Wali Nanggroe highlighted the impact of the hydrometeorological flood disaster that occurred on November 26, 2025, in several areas of Aceh. According to him, the disaster not only damaged infrastructure but also shook the social fabric and the lives of indigenous communities.
Therefore, he emphasized that the rehabilitation and reconstruction process must be carried out comprehensively.
"We are not just building houses, but rebuilding hope. We are not just repairing roads, but restoring the direction of life," he emphasized.
To accelerate recovery, the Wali Nanggroe called for consolidation and synergy across institutions, involving traditional institutions, the Aceh Government, and district/city governments. The Wali Nanggroe hopes that the 2026 MAA Grand Conference will produce concrete steps, not just administrative decisions.
In this context, the Aceh Customary Council (MUI) is encouraged to take on a strategic role, including through social mediation in affected areas, strengthening community harmony, overseeing the distribution of aid to ensure fairness and accuracy, and preserving customary values in the reconstruction process.
Furthermore, the Wali Nanggroe also emphasized the importance of strengthening customary institutions in the modern era through institutional revitalization, digitization and documentation of customary law, involvement of the younger generation, and cross-sector synergy.
These steps are considered crucial to ensuring that Acehnese customs remain relevant and serve as a key pillar in upholding the dignity and sustainability of regional development.
Concluding his remarks, the Wali Nanggroe expressed optimism about the MAA's role in preserving Aceh's identity amidst various challenges.
"From this Meuligoe, we send a message to all Acehnese people: that customs are still alive, Aceh is still strong, and we will never give up," the Wali Nanggroe emphasized.[]
