Aceh's Draft Forest and Mining Management Regulations Begin Discussion

The Wali Nanggroe Institution (Lembaga Wali Nanggroe) has begun drafting the initial draft of the Wali Nanggroe Regulation on Forest and Customary Forest Management in Aceh, as well as Aceh Mining, through coordination meetings and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) involving various government agencies, vertical institutions, civil society organizations, and legislative elements.

Zulfikar Idris, Head of Cooperation and Public Relations for Wali Nanggroe, stated that the meeting, which took place in the Keurukon Katibul Wali Meeting Room, Aceh, Indonesia, on Thursday (July 2, 2026), was led by Kamaruddin Andalah S.Sos., M.Si., Chairman of the Majelis Tuha Lapan (The Council of Elders of the Wali Nanggroe), which is part of the Wali Nanggroe Shura Council.

Also in attendance were representatives from the Aceh Forestry Service, the Aceh Energy and Mineral Resources (ESDM) Service, the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA), the National Land Agency (BPN), the Forestry and Plantation Agency (BPKH), WWF, Flora and Fauna International (FFI), JKMA, WALHI Aceh, Commission VII of the Aceh Regional People's Representative Council (DPRA), the Aceh Customary Council (MAA), and several other relevant agencies.

Kamaruddin stated that the draft regulation is a strategic step to strengthen forest governance, customary forests, and the mining sector in Aceh, while prioritizing the protection of indigenous communities, environmental sustainability, and community welfare.

"This Wali Nanggroe regulation on forests and customary forests is much needed and has long been awaited by the people of Aceh. The goal is for forest management to provide economic benefits for communities surrounding forest areas, while simultaneously preserving the environment and preventing disasters," said Kamaruddin.

The various inputs provided by the FGD participants demonstrated strong support for the regulation. In addition to providing regulatory certainty for indigenous communities, the regulation is also expected to serve as an instrument for protecting forest areas, wildlife, and the natural resources within them.

"We want communities living around forest areas to receive protection and legal certainty. Wildlife and their habitats will be protected, while forest products can be utilized sustainably in accordance with statutory provisions," he said.

He added that strengthening the role of indigenous communities in forest management was one of the key points raised in the discussions.

Meanwhile, the Chair of Commission VII of the DPRA, , expressed full support for the Wali Nanggroe Institute's initiative in drafting the regulation.

"We, at Commission VII of the DPRA, welcome this initiative. Forest and mining management must be carried out properly and measurably. The introduction of this regulation is expected to strengthen the role of forest guardians, village heads, and indigenous communities in protecting their territories," said Ilmiza.

Ilmiza also highlighted the importance of this regulation as an effort to prevent environmental damage that has the potential to trigger disasters. He cited several floods and forest area damage that have occurred in recent years as a reminder that natural resource management must be strengthened.

Furthermore, Commission VII of the DPRA also highlighted the issue of illegal mining that continues to occur in several areas of Aceh, including the Jantho area, Aceh Besar Regency.

"The water in that area used to be very clear, but after illegal mining activities began, its color changed to cloudy and yellowish. This situation shows that natural resource management cannot be carried out haphazardly. There must be strong regulations and strict supervision," he said.

He hopes that the currently drafted Wali Nanggroe Regulation can serve as a legal umbrella that strengthens environmental protection, clarifies the role of indigenous communities, and encourages sustainable forest and mining management for the benefit of future generations.[]