Bireuen Government Commemorates 20th Anniversary of Helsinki MoU.
The Bireuen Regency Government, Aceh Province, through the Islamic Sharia Office, held a dhikr (remembrance of God), joint prayer, and religious sermon at the Sultan Jeumpa Grand Mosque on Thursday, August 15, 2025.
The event commemorated the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which ended the armed conflict in Aceh.
Themed "A Sustainable and Dignified Helsinki Agreement from an Islamic Perspective," the event featured Dr. Nazaruddin Abdullah, MA, the Rector of the Islamic University of Aceh (UIA) Paya Lipah, Bireuen, as the speaker. The event was attended by the Regent of Bireuen, H. Mukhlis, ST.
In his remarks, Regent Mukhlis stated that the Helsinki MoU was the result of more than two years of negotiations led by former Finnish President Martti Ahtisaari to end the armed conflict in Aceh. This agreement holds significant historical significance, bringing peace and significant change to Aceh.
"The impact is not only on security stability, but also on economic development and improving the quality of life for the people," he said.
Therefore, Regent Mukhlis urged the younger generation to maintain the peace that has been established in Aceh. They should not forget the history of the struggle for peace. This is because the current generation was born and raised in an atmosphere of peace.
"Learn from the past. Be guardians of the future with fresh ideas to build a better Aceh," he said.
He also expressed his appreciation to all parties who played a role in the peace process, from former combatants, civilian leaders, religious leaders, women, and the wider community.
"Let us use the commemoration of the Helsinki MoU as a momentum to strengthen the spirit of peace, build Bireuen and Aceh, and at the same time increase our faith and piety in Allah SWT," Regent Mukhlis urged.
Previously, the Head of the Bireuen Islamic Sharia Office, Dr. H. Jufliwan, S.H., M.M., reported that the 20th anniversary of the Helsinki MoU aims to reaffirm the commitment to sustainable peace, educate the public about the importance of the Helsinki MoU, and evaluate the achievements and challenges in its implementation.
"The Helsinki MoU is a solution to end the armed conflict that has lasted for more than 30 years. With this agreement, sharia economic development, infrastructure improvements, and increased public welfare can proceed more effectively," he said.
Jufliwan hopes this commemoration will serve as a reminder to maintain peace, uphold Aceh's Special Autonomy, continue development, empower the community, and strengthen the implementation of advanced and sustainable Islamic law to realize a prosperous, intelligent, peaceful, and Islamic Bireuen.
"May what we do today become knowledge and acts of worship that are blessed by Allah SWT," Jufliwan concluded.
