"There will soon be a meeting with Mr. Home Affairs Minister (Tito Karnavian)," Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Bima Arya Sugiarto said when contacted by ANTARA in Jakarta on Tuesday.
When asked about the date of the discussion, he explained that the minister and the governor would coordinate to align their schedules.
Sugiarto added that the ministry had also extended a similar invitation to Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf.
These invitations followed Aceh’s objection to the ministry’s decision to award the four islands—Mangkir Gadang, Mangkir Ketek, Lipan, and Panjang—to North Sumatra through a regulation issued on April 25, 2025.
Following a long-standing dispute dating back to 1928, the central government recently confirmed that the islands fall under the administrative jurisdiction of Central Tapanuli District in North Sumatra, which borders Aceh Singkil District in Aceh Province.
According to the Ministry of Home Affairs, this decision was made based on recommendations from the National Committee for the Standardisation of Geographical Names.
On Thursday (June 12), Governor Bobby Nasution stressed the importance of resolving the issue through talks mediated by the Home Affairs Ministry, noting that his administration remains open to dialogue.
"This conflict revolves around ownership. If that is indeed the case, let us all bring this matter to Jakarta. We should not keep arguing at the regional level since it will not lead to a resolution," he stated.
Later, on Saturday, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Sufmi Dasco Ahmad revealed that President Prabowo Subianto would announce his decision on the issue next week.
"Following communications between the DPR and the president, the president has decided to take over the border issue of the islands disputed by Aceh and North Sumatra," he said in a statement.
Related news: Prabowo to decide on Aceh, N Sumatra island dispute soon: PCO
Related news: Prabowo to decide island dispute between Aceh, North Sumatra
Translator: Fianda S, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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