Looking ahead, much of Aceh’s future lies in the hands of its younger generation, many of whom are too young to recall the violence that once gripped their province.
Young Acehnese told CNA that while they still respect the peace legacy, they are increasingly focused on performance, inclusivity and accountability.
“For me, I have an open mind. As long as someone is truly capable of managing Aceh, then by all means, why not?” said Generation Z resident Muhammad Joni Asnawi.
“It doesn’t necessarily have to be someone who is a former GAM member or anyone in particular. It should be whoever is truly qualified to lead Aceh.”
AMONG INDONESIA’S POOREST PROVINCES
But in just two years’ time, the province’s multi-billion-dollar special autonomy fund from Indonesia’s central government is set to expire.
The provincial government hopes this fund – aimed at boosting infrastructure development and reducing poverty – will be extended indefinitely beyond the 2027 deadline.
Despite these extra monies and its vast natural resources, Aceh continues to rank among Indonesia’s poorest provinces.
Lhokseumawe, Aceh’s second-largest city, was once known as the petrodollar city due to its major role in Indonesia’s gas production in the 1980s and 1990s.
Its natural gas fields were heavily guarded during the conflict, with rebels often targeting them to disrupt operations as they were seen as symbols of the state’s economic power in the region.
With much of its revenue being directed to the central government, Aceh felt it was not benefiting fairly from its own wealth. This perceived economic injustice was a key factor in GAM’s rise.
