Fatal Shooting in Pidie: One Dead Following Pulo Kenari Incident

The author is a student at the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh | Government Issues Observer

PIDIE, Aktualita.co — A suspected shooting incident in Gampong Pulo Kenari, Tiro/Truseb District, Pidie Regency, Aceh, on Wednesday (4/11/2026), has sparked widespread public concern. The event, which occurred during a Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW celebration, resulted in one death and left several other residents injured.

The deceased victim has been identified as Abzalul Rizal (20), a resident of Gampong Dayah Baro. According to the Director of Tgk Abdullah Syafi'i Regional General Hospital, Dr. Kamaruzzaman, the hospital received ten patients related to the incident. One patient passed away, while nine others sustained injuries.

The incident reportedly stemmed from tensions between residents and security forces regarding the display of the Bulan Bintang flag near the event site.

Footage circulating on social media shows scenes of chaos and public panic. However, the full chronology, the cause of the victim's death, and the identity of those suspected of using firearms remain subject to further investigation.

This incident has drawn serious attention as it occurred in Aceh, a region with a long history of armed conflict before achieving peace through the Helsinki MoU on 15 August 2005.

Calls for Investigation into Pulo Kenari Shooting

Various elements of Acehnese society are demanding a thorough, transparent, and accountable investigation into the Pulo Kenari incident.

The Spokesperson for the Aceh Transition Committee (KPA) Central, Bang Jack Libya, condemned the alleged violence against the public and urged TNI leadership to take firm action if any personnel are found to have violated the law.

He stated that every action taken by security forces must be based on legal provisions and must not disregard the safety of civilians.

A similar demand was voiced by the General Chairman of the Pidie Youth Communication Forum (FOKUSGAMPI), Irwandi. He urged the leadership of the TNI and Polri to evaluate the use of firearms when managing situations involving the public.

"Firearms should be a last resort, not the first tool. Security forces must prioritize a persuasive and humanistic approach when dealing with the public," said Irwandi, Wednesday (4/11/2026).

An examination of all involved parties is necessary to ensure the investigation does not stop at initial allegations or information circulating on social media.

Beyond determining the cause of death, the investigation must clarify the timeline of the security forces' arrival, the situation prior to the chaos, and the actions taken during the incident.

The Helsinki MoU and the Commitment to Maintaining Peace in Aceh

The Pulo Kenari incident serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining the peace in Aceh, which was built through a long and arduous process.

The Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding was signed by the Government of the Republic of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) on 15 August 2005 as the foundation for a peaceful, comprehensive, and dignified conflict resolution.

The agreement not only marked the end of armed conflict but also included commitments to governance, the protection of human rights, and the building of mutual trust.

More than two decades after the signing of the agreement, the people of Aceh certainly hope that all security issues can be resolved through dialogue, legal approaches, and respect for civilian safety.

If the alleged use of excessive force in the Pulo Kenari incident is proven, such actions must be processed according to the applicable laws.

The issue of displaying the Bulan Bintang flag also requires an approach that considers the history, legal provisions, and social conditions of the people of Aceh.

Differences in views regarding regional symbols should be resolved through legal mechanisms and open communication, rather than actions that risk the loss of life.

Government Urged to Form Independent Investigation

The central government, the Aceh government, the TNI, and the Polri are expected to take concrete steps to ensure all facts regarding the Pulo Kenari incident are revealed.

The formation of an independent investigation team with transparent oversight mechanisms is one step that should be considered.

The team must ensure that witness statements, video evidence, medical examination results, and the actions of personnel on the ground are examined objectively.

The victims' families also have the right to receive information on the progress of the investigation, legal assistance, and psychosocial support as needed.

The legal process must uphold the presumption of innocence while providing space for the victims and their families to obtain justice.

Observer: The State Must Protect the People

Fadhil Maulana, a student at the Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Training at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh and a government issues observer, believes this incident must be a serious concern for all stakeholders.

He reminded that peace in Aceh must be maintained through concrete actions, especially in ensuring public safety and fair law enforcement.

"The state exists to protect the people, not to intimidate or shoot at citizens. The government must immediately form an independent investigation team, reveal the facts honestly, and prosecute the perpetrators legally. The promise of the Helsinki MoU is not just a historical document, but a moral and political commitment that must be kept," he said.

According to Fadhil, a transparent resolution is necessary to prevent the erosion of public trust in state institutions.

He also emphasized the importance of government and security force accountability in ensuring that similar incidents do not recur.

Justice for the victims is not only related to the legal process but is also part of the effort to maintain the peace that the people of Aceh have built.

As of the information gathering on Thursday (5/11/2026) early morning, no official statement has been obtained confirming the full chronology or the parties responsible for the alleged shooting.

Therefore, the results of an official investigation are urgently needed so that the public can obtain a complete picture of what actually happened.

The Pulo Kenari incident serves as a reminder that peace cannot be maintained solely through signed agreements. Protecting citizens, ensuring information transparency, and upholding fair law enforcement are essential parts of keeping the spirit of the Helsinki MoU alive.