Rights Group Warns of Militaristic Response After Alleged Assault on Aid Volunteers in North Aceh

The convoy, according to the organization, was driven by public solidarity and frustration over what residents perceived as the slow response of the central government to severe flooding in Aceh Tamiang.
“By obstructing aid and abusing volunteers, security forces have indirectly worsened the suffering of disaster victims who are still waiting for help,” Hamid added.

The organization demanded that impunity must not be allowed to persist and urged the government to launch an independent investigation involving the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM). Amnesty also called on the state to abandon militaristic security approaches when responding to civilian initiatives, especially during disasters.

“The government must ensure the safety of all volunteers, guarantee unhindered access for humanitarian aid—including international assistance—and prioritize the protection of citizens’ lives,” Hamid said.

Background of the Incident
Media reports indicate that the violence erupted after security personnel stopped a convoy of aid trucks in Krueng Mane to inspect their cargo and attributes, particularly the display of the Crescent Star flag, a symbol closely associated with Aceh. Tensions escalated, resulting in physical violence that reportedly injured at least five civilians.

Three viral videos circulating on social media appear to show the assaults taking place at night. One video shows individuals wearing green camouflage uniforms kicking a person repeatedly until he collapsed, while police officers in brown uniforms were seen nearby. Other footage shows uniformed men carrying long-barreled firearms striking civilians, with at least one victim bleeding from the head and another lying unconscious inside a vehicle.