Acheh, an indigenous ethnic group from the northern tip of Sumatra island in Indonesia, has been a member of the UNPO since 1991. 

The Achehnese people have a distinct identity and historical sovereignty. However, they suffer from ongoing struggles for self-determination, making them an unrepresented group. Despite the formal agreements intended to grant Acheh autonomy, the region still faces significant political, economic, and social challenges, reflecting unfulfilled rights and unresolved historical grievances. The ongoing repression, underrepresentation, and denial of their right to self-determination highlight the critical need for continued advocacy and international support for the Acehnese people’s rights.

The UNPO Secretariat advocates for the rights of the Acheh people as a whole and engages with various groups and representatives. However, its primary member and main collaborator within the UNPO is the ASNLF, which holds voting rights during the General Assembly.You can read more about the Acheh Sumatra National Liberation Front here. 

Achehnese culture is deeply rooted in Islam, shaping their traditional attire, architecture, and artistic expressions. Historically, Acheh was a key center for Muslim travelers and scholars, contributing significantly to Islamic culture in Southeast Asia. The region’s cultural richness is reflected through artistic expression, especially traditional dances and music, which are characterized by rhythmic movements and the use of strings, wind instruments, and percussion.

Historically recognized as an independent state, the Acheh have struggled to regain sovereignty since Indonesia’s independence in 1949. Despite a 2005 agreement between the Indonesian government and the Acheh Sumatra National Liberation Front (ASNLF) to end human rights violations and grant greater autonomy in all sectors of public affairs, the region remains militarized, and the Acheh’s demands for self-determination remain unmet.

Acheh has historically thrived as a maritime kingdom, engaging in trade and diplomacy across Southeast Asia. The region maintained its independence through centuries of external threats, including Portuguese and British incursions in the 16th and 18th century. However, in the late 19th century, the Dutch ultimately subjugated Acheh, integrating it into their colonial empire.

After Indonesia gained independence from Dutch rule, Acheh was incorporated into the new republic. However, the Achehnese, who had historically governed themselves, found their right to self-determination ignored by the central government in Jakarta. This integration led to ongoing tensions fueled by political, cultural, and economic resentment.

Despite the 2005 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities and granting Acheh greater autonomy, significant challenges remain unresolved, indicating that the Achehnese people’s right to self-determination continues to be compromised.

One of the primary unresolved issues is the failure to fully demilitarize Acheh, as promised in the MoU. The persistent presence of the Indonesian military threatens Acheh’s autonomy, increasing tensions in the region. Additionally, no further justice for past human rights violations, particularly those committed during the conflict in the 1990s, have been sought. Promised mechanisms, such as a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, have yet to be established, leaving many grievances unaddressed.

The implementation of Sharia law in Acheh since 2006 has been another contentious issue. Although Sharia law is by no means inherently a violation of human rights, the recent adaptations of strict bylaws in 2015 have raised concern, specially when being imposed on non-Muslims (a total of about 90,000 people) in the region. This, alongside claims of harassment by the Wilayatul Hisbah, a religious task force, has brought international criticism and threatens to discredit the Acheh region. 

Environmental issues are another significant challenge for Acheh. Despite the region’s wealth in oil and natural gas, it suffers from environmental degradation due to extraction practices and natural disasters. Deforestation, land degradation, and the threat of tsunamis, earthquakes, and other natural hazards continue to endanger both the environment and the population.

Economically, Acheh falls behind the rest of Indonesia, even though it has plenty of natural resources. High unemployment and below-average economic growth are attributed to exploitation by multinational corporations, ineffective governance, and corruption. Although the special autonomy budget is intended to stimulate economic development, there are ongoing concerns about its effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Respecting the Achehnese people’s right to self-determination could play a crucial role in resolving ongoing disputes and addressing many of the region’s persistent problems. By granting the Achehnese greater control over their political, economic, and cultural affairs, it would help reduce tensions, leading to a more peaceful and stable environment. Empowering the Achehnese to manage their own resources and govern their own affairs could also lead to more effective and sustainable economic development, reducing poverty and unemployment in the region. Furthermore, respecting their right to self-determination would acknowledge and legitimize their unique identity, encouraging a sense of ownership and commitment among the Achehnese people, which is essential for long-term peace and reconciliation.