Premier Mohamad Natsir’s visit to Atjeh took place on 22-24 January 1951, when the Indonesian Prime Minister spent two days in Atjeh for discussions on the question of local autonomy (locale autonomie), returning to Medan on 24 January.
Purpose and outcome
The visit occurred in the context of the ongoing negotiations between the central government and the regions regarding the degree of autonomy to be granted to the provinces under the unitary state, which had been proclaimed on 17 August 1950. Atjeh’s incorporation into the province of North Sumatra — rather than being constituted as a separate province — had been a contentious issue, and the visit was part of the central government’s efforts to address regional grievances.
At a press conference upon his return to Medan, Natsir stated that he was very satisfied with the discussions held in Atjeh regarding local autonomy. He was also questioned about the Sarbupri strike on the East Coast, which was one of the most pressing labour conflicts at the time.
Source
Oostkust van Sumatra-Instituut Mededeling No. 37: Deli-Figuren uit de jaren 1950 t/m 1952, compiled by Ir. F. J. J. Dootjes (Amsterdam, 1953).