Bogor, 8 July 2025 – The ERIA School of Government (SoG) had the honour of meeting with H.E. Prof. Dr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, the sixth President of the Republic of Indonesia, to prepare for a commemorative event marking the 20th anniversary of the Aceh Peace Agreement.

As part of its mission to promote peace, reconciliation, and regional dialogue, the SoG will host a special event on 13–15 August 2025 to mark 2 decades since the landmark peace accord that ended conflict in Aceh province. This historic achievement remains a powerful example of successful peacebuilding in Southeast Asia and beyond.

During the meeting, SoG Dean Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa extended a formal invitation to H.E. Yudhoyono to take part in the commemoration and share his invaluable reflections on the peace process, which unfolded during his presidency. His leadership was instrumental to the negotiations, and his participation will offer crucial insights for both younger generations and current policymakers.

In recognition of his contributions as both a statesman and an artist, a selection of H.E. Yudhoyono’s paintings – depicting Aceh’s journey during and after the 2004 tsunami – will also be exhibited during the event.

The commemoration seeks to honour the legacy of the Aceh Peace Agreement, celebrate its success in establishing long-term peace, and reflect on the lessons it offers for contemporary conflict resolution.

The event forms part of the ERIA School of Government’s broader efforts to highlight Southeast Asia’s experience in peacebuilding and contribute to global conversations on reconciliation and governance. The Aceh Peace Agreement – an accord that ended nearly 3 decades of conflict between the Government of Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement – stands as a national milestone and a regional model for sustainable peace.

The ERIA SoG remains committed to fostering dialogue, leadership, and knowledge exchange across ASEAN and beyond, ensuring that the lessons of peace from Southeast Asia continue to inspire future generations.