Wali Nanggroe Emphasizes Dialogue and Transparency, Aceh Government Prepares New JKA Gubernatorial Regulation
The Wali Nanggroe Aceh Governor, His Excellency Tgk. Malik Mahmud Al-Haythar, emphasized the importance of dialogue, transparency, and the sustainability of the Aceh Health Insurance (JKA) program to maintain public trust in the government. This was conveyed while chairing the Forkopimda Coordination Meeting on the Implementation and Sustainability of the JKA in Meuligoe Wali Nanggroe, Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The meeting was attended by elements of the Aceh Forkopimda, institutional leaders, academics, technical agencies, and various stakeholders. The forum was held in response to the polemic and public unrest regarding the change in JKA policy through Aceh Gubernatorial Regulation Number 2 of 2026, which previously sparked student demonstrations in several regions.
In his remarks, Wali Nanggroe stated that the JKA (Javanese Health Insurance) is not just a health care program, but part of the social protection of the Acehnese people, directly related to their sense of security and public trust in the government.
The meeting discussed various issues, including Aceh's fiscal situation, JKA governance, beneficiary data validation, and the social impact of changes to the health care scheme. The Aceh government also explained the budget challenges resulting from the decline in special autonomy funds and limited regional fiscal space.
Aceh Regional Secretary, M. Nasir, explained that Governor Regulation Number 2 of 2026 was previously issued to reorganize beneficiary data based on the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN).
"The purpose of this regulation is to reorganize data based on the DTSEN established by the central government and used as a reference by various regions," said M. Nasir.
However, after evaluation and deliberation, Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf decided to revoke the regulation. The Aceh government is currently preparing new regulations that prioritize public participation, transparency, and the sustainability of public health services.
"JKA is not just a health care program, but an important part of the social protection of the Acehnese people. Therefore, every policy related to JKA must be able to maintain a sense of justice and public trust in the government," said Wali Nanggroe, as reported by Wali Nanggroe's Head of Cooperation and Public Relations, Zulfikar Idris.
Wali Nanggroe also requested that students' aspirations be viewed as a form of concern for the community's well-being. He argued that dialogue and deliberation should be prioritized over confrontation.
"Students are children of Aceh who are expressing the people's concerns. They are not enemies of the government," said Wali Nanggroe.
The meeting also resulted in several follow-up steps, including the formation of a team to draft a new JKA (Javanese Cash Transfer) Regulation involving the government, legislature, academics, students, and civil society. Furthermore, the government will strengthen the validation of beneficiary data and open up broader communication with the public.
On that occasion, security forces reported that the student demonstrations regarding the JKA proceeded relatively peacefully, with the authorities adopting a humane approach, although there were indications of provocation and politicization of the issue on social media by certain parties.
Closing the meeting, Wali Nanggroe reminded all parties to maintain Aceh's stability through good communication and a spirit of brotherhood, considering the long history of conflict that Aceh has experienced.[]
Curated by : @lirvic
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