The Aceh Peace Agreement of 2005 remains one of the most significant milestones in Indonesia’s history of conflict resolution and continues to stand as a concrete reference for reconciliation processes grounded in dialogue and political responsibility. In that context, the role played by Jusuf Kalla, Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia in the periods 2004–2009 and 2014–2019, proved decisive in the peace process between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Through an inclusive, dialogue-based approach marked by political courage and strong humanitarian commitment, the Helsinki Peace Agreement brought an end to a decades-long conflict and opened a new chapter of reconciliation, development, and restored dignity for the people of Aceh.
This spirit of peace continues today through the engagement of Abdul Halim, Ambassador of Peace of the European Muslim League (EML) in Indonesia, who has long been active in promoting global peace, moderation, and dialogue among cultures and religions. His work is rooted in the values of wasathiyah, understood as balance and responsibility, in the centrality of human dignity, and in the firm rejection of all forms of violence and modern colonialism, regardless of the justifications invoked.
During an exchange between the two figures, Jusuf Kalla expressed his hope that world leaders would find the courage to halt ambitions of aggression and invasion against other countries, often justified by unfounded accusations and driven, in reality, by interests related to the control of natural resources. According to Kalla, genuine and lasting peace can only be achieved when international law, truth, and humanitarian values are placed above short-term geopolitical and economic calculations.
This perspective is fully shared by Abdul Halim, who recalled that Indonesia, since its founding, has clearly affirmed that colonialism in all its forms must be eradicated from the face of the earth, as explicitly stated in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution. This principle is not merely symbolic, but represents a constitutional mandate and a moral foundation that should guide Indonesia’s diplomatic conduct and international positions.
At the conclusion of the dialogue, Jusuf Kalla, in his capacity as Chairman of the Central Executive Council of the Indonesian Mosque Council (DMI), and Abdul Halim, Chairman of the DMI in Lhokseumawe and North Aceh, agreed on the central role of mosques as places of civic and moral responsibility. According to both, mosques can and should become platforms from which a global call for peace is launched, promoting a culture of moderation and tolerance that speaks not only to Muslims, but to the entire human family. As emphasized by Abdul Halim, peace can endure only when the majority exercises self-restraint and minorities recognize their responsibilities. Jusuf Kalla concluded by reaffirming that a just peace requires leaders capable of rational thinking, respect for national sovereignty, and the promotion of a universal human brotherhood that transcends borders, interests, and affiliations.
Aceh Peace and a Global Call from Mosques to the Conscience of World Leaders
