Meeting Summary — Indonesian Consulate / PTRI
ACC Delegation Raises Humanitarian and Environmental Concerns at Indonesian Mission to the United Nations
Date: January 5, 2026
A delegation from the Aceh Community Center (ACC), consisting of Muhammad Arsyad, Jol Ben, and Robert Jereski, held a meeting with representatives of the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Indonesia to the United Nations (PTRI), including Mr. Mochammad Iqbal Sirie and Mr. Andreas Wisnu Dewanto. The delegation was informed that the Indonesian Ambassador was unable to attend due to other official commitments. Two security personnel were also present in the meeting room.
Mr. Andreas Wisnu Dewanto explained that his portfolio includes humanitarian affairs and disaster management. He expressed personal concern regarding the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Aceh and noted his personal connection and familiarity with the region.
On behalf of the delegation, Robert Jereski conveyed serious concerns regarding the Indonesian government’s recent track record in handling crises in Aceh. He stated that similar patterns appear to be repeating in the current situation, which the delegation views as a failure of disaster management—particularly the government’s decision not to declare a national emergency. He further warned of the risk that humanitarian funds could be diverted to military structures, stressing that such funds should be prioritized for civilians and communities directly affected by the disaster.
Muhammad Arsyad emphasized the urgent need for a national emergency declaration, the importance of opening direct access for international humanitarian assistance to Aceh, and the necessity of taking firm action against deforestation and environmental violations, including strict law enforcement against responsible parties. He reaffirmed the delegation’s strong commitment to addressing these issues through peaceful and non-violent means, with no desire to return to past conflict.
Jol Ben highlighted the importance of respecting and upholding the Helsinki Peace Agreement, cautioning that failure to do so could increase tensions and instability on the ground.
From the Indonesian side, Mr. Mochammad Iqbal Sirie stated that disaster response measures are based on technical assessments conducted by local governments and relevant institutions, and he underscored the importance of disaster risk reduction efforts. He also briefly referenced the role of a foreign search and rescue organization involved in response efforts.
Regarding international assistance, Mr. Andreas Wisnu Dewanto noted that international aid had begun to be distributed and referred to the Indonesian National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) website as a source of information. However, he acknowledged that there is currently no single consolidated platform providing a complete list of all foreign assistance. Another staff member, Mr. Soufyan, added that information on international aid can be accessed through various open sources.
Both the ACC delegation and the Indonesian representatives expressed openness to continuing dialogue and maintaining communication in the future. Due to time constraints and the presence of other delegation members waiting outside, the meeting concluded with mutual thanks and acknowledgment.
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Peaceful Action in Front of the United Nations
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short story
February 2022
Aceh Community Center was established to facilitate the legal process and support the development of an Acehnese Meunasah in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, United States, serving as a religious, social, and cultural hub for the Acehnese community.
Narrative description of your activities
These are the specific details of your past, present and future activities. This is the real meat and potatoes of your org, your chance to prove to the IRS that this org is needed and necessary and will serve a charitable purpose. It should be detailed and specific as possible. Any materials you would use for potential donors, for ads of your charity or service website would go here. Make it longer rather than shorter, and we will eliminate anything unnecessary. Questions to consider:
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- What led to the formation of this org, when did the org begin operations, when will it be fully operation?
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- Who will carry on the activities of the organization? Will these individuals be paid or volunteers, what are their qualifications?
- When or how often are you going to do the activity? How much time will be spent on it? Where are you going to do it? How? How does this further your charitable cause?
How are you funded? Where is your money coming from and where is it going? The Acehnese American community came about as hundreds of Acehnese refugees fled Indonesia as a result of the persecution they experienced from the Aceh War in the 90s. Starting in the early 2000s, the community started to gather and eventually establish roots in Harrisburg, PA due to the ease of access to manufacturing jobs and proximity to Washington DC. The latter represented a strong part of the communal forming as they frequently marched outside the Indonesian Embassy and other government bodies to protest the injustice occurring in Aceh, Indonesia.
Eventually, as the Acehnese community enrolled their kids in the local schools, found jobs, bought homes in the area and began to call it their forever home – a new chance at life. While it was opportunistic for the adults and kids to integrate into American society, it remained crucial to maintain the Acehnese culture, for this was the reason of the initial migration. As such, the community began informally through the celebratory gatherings in living rooms of crowded spaces, culture and religious classes, organized events, etc. Ultimately, there was a need to have an official space for communal gatherings, teachings, prayers, and other such events, which led to the formation of the Aceh Community Center (ACC).
The ACC is dedicated to building and fostering a strong Acehnese-American community through cultural, educational, religious and service-based programming. The primary target audience for ACC’s services are the Acehnese American community in Harrisburg, PA, but it’s teachings, cultural events, prayer spaces, and other programming are also open to the public. A Board of Directors will oversee all ACC activities and determine its growth strategy, which will be led by Safur Baktiar as President, long time member and educator of the community. Sample activities organized by the ACC include an annual Mawlid inviting Acehnese and Indonesians from around the country, weekly Quranic and Islamic youth classes, local celebratory events, daily prayers, and more. Currently, the ACC is funded primarily through voluntary contribution of its community members. The ACC would seek more stable and scalable grants and contributions to fund its events. Currently, the ACC operates at a grass roots level to local community members, but ultimately looks to expand intrastate and potentially internationally.
Fundraising Plan
ACC plans to conduct fundraising primarily through personal contact of local community members. Eventually, ACC plans to apply for foundation grants for more scalable contributions. ACC plans to fundraise in Pennsylvania at the current moment.
Operations
ACC will be giving charitable contributions to needy families in the area as part of its annual Zakat campaign. Individuals and families will be identified through local partnerships with other organizations and internal vetting.