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Mahfud promises to repay Aceh for contributions to Indonesia
Vice presidential candidate Mahfud MD vows to repay Aceh for its contributions to Indonesia, saying he would extend the special autonomy fund to accelerate development in the region if elected.
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Vice presidential candidate Mahfud MD attends a campaign and dialogue event dubbed Tabrak Prof! (Hit it prof!) in Banda Aceh, Aceh, on Jan. 31, 2024. (Antara/Irwansyah Putra)
Vice presidential candidate Mahfud MD said on Wednesday that he would make sure the central government showed its appreciation for Aceh's contributions to the country if he and presidential candidate Ganjar Pranowo won the 2024 presidential election.
He said Aceh had played a significant role in Indonesia’s history, especially in the country’s early days of independence.
Mahfud talked about how the Acehnese people donated a DC-3 airplane named Seulawah to the newly independent Indonesia.
The plane later became the first aircraft of flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, which celebrated its 75th anniversary on Jan. 26.
"The central government must not forget Aceh’s nationalist services," he said at a campaign event in Banda Aceh, as quoted by Antara news agency.
One of the ways to show gratitude to Aceh, Mahfud said, was to extend the special autonomy fund for the province, which would expire in 2027.
He said the fund was crucial for the development of Aceh and its people, especially after he saw that the province’s infrastructure still needed improvements.
