August 16, 2026 | 11:05 am
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Aceh Regional Police personnel briefly detained several residents following the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration, which resulted in a clash with the security forces in front of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh City, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. "Several residents have been released," said Aceh Regional Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan as quoted by Antara on Saturday night.
Earlier, the joint prayer and dhikr event for the 21st Aceh Peace Day turned into a clash with the police around 11:00 AM. The crowd threw rocks at the police around the city park in front of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh City.
The clash began when some participants lowered the Indonesian flag and raised the crescent moon and star flag on the flagpole at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd. During the incident, the crowd damaged two cars and a motorcycle parked around the grand mosque.
One of the event participants, M Jamil, stated that the event was an invitation to a joint prayer and dhikr for peace and a fairer and more prosperous Acehnese society. "The raising of the crescent moon and star flag is our way of expressing gratitude," said Jamil.
Following the Dhuhr prayer, Aceh Regional Police Chief Inspector General Ruddi Setiawan was seen meeting with the crowd. Ruddi was immediately surrounded by the crowd, which demanded the release of the detained participants.
Previously, Aceh Regional Police Head of Public Relations Senior Commissioner Joko Krisdiyanto stated that they were not yet certain about the number of people arrested or the number of people affected by the riots. "We are still assessing the impact of the incident. Once we have the data and information, we will communicate it. We hope that Aceh will remain safe and conducive," said Joko Krisdiyanto.
Read: LBH Banda Aceh Accuses TNI of Raids Ahead of Aceh Peace Day
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