JAKARTA — The Indonesian National Police (Polri) has awarded the prestigious National Police Chief’s Gold Pin (Pin Emas Kapolri) to Aceh Police Chief Inspector General of Police Ruddi Setiawan and Deputy Chief Brigadier General of Police Ari Wahyu Widodo. The honor was bestowed in recognition of the regional police command’s success in handling the Crescent and Star (Bulan Bintang) flag-raising incident at the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque in Banda Aceh City through a persuasive, safe, and controlled approach.
The appreciation from the top leadership of the Bhayangkara Corps serves as institutional recognition of their dedication and tactical on-the-ground leadership, which successfully prevented an escalation of social conflict in the Veranda of Mecca.
Highest Honor from the Bhayangkara Corps
The National Police Chief’s Gold Pin was presented to several police personnel deemed to have demonstrated outstanding achievements while maintaining public security and order. Head of the National Police Public Relations Division, Inspector General of Police Johnny Edison Isir, confirmed the conferment of the honorary award on the leadership elements of the Aceh Regional Police.
This conferment highlights the pivotal role of regional police leaders who moved swiftly to manage dynamic conditions in the field. A human-centered, dialogue-based approach was considered crucial in diffusing tensions without causing physical friction between law enforcement and the crowd.
Tactical Steps and Persuasive Negotiations
During the incident at the iconic Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, both the Aceh Police Chief and Deputy Chief went directly to the assembly point of the crowd. They personally led open mediation and negotiation processes with the community members involved in the flag-raising demonstration.
Intensive, persuasive communication effectively calmed the heated atmosphere. Through dialogue grounded in local wisdom and respect for prevailing legal norms, the Aceh Regional Police leadership successfully managed the complete lowering of the Crescent and Star flag without any violence or broader disruption to public order.
Continued Security Through Large-Scale Patrols
Even after the flag-raising was peacefully resolved, the Aceh Regional Police did not lower their operational readiness. Under the direction of the Police Chief and Deputy Chief, security forces immediately carried out large-scale patrols across strategic areas of Banda Aceh City.
These intensive patrols were aimed at providing reassurance to the public, ensuring that daily social and economic activities continued as normal, and anticipating any potential follow-up actions. The success in preserving harmony and security stability across Aceh’s jurisdiction following the incident served as the primary foundation for the National Police Chief to award both high-ranking officers the institution’s highest honor.