The Beutong People’s Assembly Agrees to Reject Mining and Proposes the Establishment of a Customary Authority

The community of Beutong Ateuh Banggalang District, Nagan Raya Regency, unanimously declared their rejection of mining activities through a People’s Assembly held at Rumoh Lambong, Gampong Blang Meurandeh, on July 22, 2026. The assembly, which was attended by representatives from four villages—Blang Meurandeh, Blang Puuk, Kuta Teungoh, and Babah Suak—also resulted in an agreement to propose the establishment of the Beutong Customary Authority as a form of strengthening the protection of customary areas and environmental sustainability.

HAkA, along with the Banda Aceh Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) and Apel Green Aceh, expressed their commitment to supporting and facilitating community aspirations. HAkA Foundation Executive Director Farwiza Farhan emphasized that forest protection is part of efforts to safeguard community lifelines, from water and living space to livelihoods.

Through this People’s Assembly, the Beutong Ateuh Banggalang community affirmed their commitment to protecting customary lands and forest sustainability, while also asking the government to recognize the Beutong Customary Authority as part of the customary heritage that plays an important role in protecting the territory and the lives of the community.