The statement by Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf (Mualem), which highlighted the problem of illegal mining in Aceh, is indeed important.

However, this statement is considered far from sufficient, because its focus has not touched on the roots of broader environmental problems.

Currently, forest destruction in Aceh is occurring in a more systematic manner: clearing forest areas with heavy equipment (excavators).

"For example, in Tripa Swamp, Kila, and Beutong Ateuh, illegal expansion continues. Protected forest areas, which should be the last bastion of life, are now being stripped away bit by bit by short-term economic interests," said Syukur.

He added that everyone knows the consequences of destroying Aceh's forests. Loss of forest means the loss of clean water sources for the people, an increased risk of flooding and landslides, the destruction of agricultural land, and the extinction of rare species such as orangutans, elephants, and tigers.

Moreover, said Syukur, forest destruction is exacerbating the global climate crisis, the impacts of which are increasingly being felt in Aceh: unpredictable seasons, prolonged droughts, and increasingly frequent tidal waves hitting the coast.

"If Mualem truly cares about Aceh's future, his criticism shouldn't stop at mining. Why is he silent when forests are being destroyed by excavators? Why not speak out when peatlands are being cleared for the benefit of a handful of people?" he said.

Therefore, Syukur hopes that the Acehnese people have the right to demand moral consistency from the political elite, not just choose popular issues.

"We urge Mualem and all Acehnese political elites not to turn a blind eye to forest changes," he stressed.

It is argued that political voices must be directed toward encouraging law enforcement against those responsible for forest destruction. Without this, critical attitudes toward mining will always appear partial, as if merely for short-term political gain.

Aceh needs consistent and comprehensive moral leadership: to reject environmental destruction, whether through mining or forest encroachment. History has recorded that the Wali of Nanggroe Aceh, Tgk. Hasan di Tiro, once warned:

“Peuseulamat uteun Aceh, sabab uteuen njan nakeuh salah saboh pusaka keuneubah endatu njang akan tapulang keu aneuk tjutjo geutanjoe di masa ukeu”

This mandate is not just words, but a warning so that the current generation does not mortgage the future for short-term gain.

According to Syukur, now is the time for Mualem and the Acehnese elite to prove whether they truly care about the people and the future of Aceh, or whether they are simply using environmental issues as a political commodity.

Aceh's forests are on the brink of extinction—and to remain silent is to condone their destruction.