Indonesia: Minister Yusril Addresses Disputed Islands Between Aceh and North Sumatra

Jakarta, Indonesia – Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra has commented on the ongoing dispute regarding the ownership of four islands—Pulau Lipan, Pulau Panjang, Pulau Mangkir Besar, and Pulau Mangkir Kecil—situated between Aceh and North Sumatra provinces. While the Aceh provincial government has historically claimed these islands as part of Aceh Singkil, a 2025 decision by the Ministry of Home Affairs listed them under Central Tapanuli, North Sumatra. Minister Mahendra clarified that the Ministry of Home Affairs' decision is solely a matter of administrative coding and does not represent a final determination of territorial boundaries. He emphasized that geographical proximity is not the sole factor in defining inter-provincial borders. According to Mahendra, the legal and administrative status of these islands remains under review, and a formal decision from the central government is still pending. He further stated that any final determination of the inter-provincial boundary, including the status of these four islands, must be based on an agreement between the Governor of Aceh and the Governor of North Sumatra. Until such an agreement is reached, the definitive provincial affiliation of these islands cannot be confirmed.