Aceh-North Sumatra dispute triggers wider border tensions


North Sumatra Governor Bobby Nasution (left) and Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf (center) approach House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad to address a press briefing on June 17 at the Bina Graha presidential office in Central Jakarta, following a limited meeting with President Prabowo Subianto. - Antara via The Jakarta Post/ANN

JAKARTA: The recently resolved border dispute between Aceh and North Sumatra has reignited long-simmering territorial tensions in other parts of the country, highlighting an urgent need for a clear legal framework governing regional boundaries.

Tensions rose last week after the Home Ministry issued a decree that transferred the ownership of four contested islands from Aceh to North Sumatra, prompting protests from Aceh residents and officials.

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