141 Nirzalin, Naufal Bachri, Fakhrurrazi, Rizki Yunanda, Iromi Ilham, Muchlis: Strengthening Reintegration through Social Capital: Learning from Aceh, Indonesia Strengthening Reintegration through Social Capital: Learning from Aceh, Indonesia Nirzalin 1 , Naufal Bachri 2 , Fakhrurrazi 3 , Rizki Yunanda 4 , Iromi Ilham 5 , Muchlis 6 1 Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Malikussaleh, Indonesia. (email: nirzalin@unimal.ac.id) 2 Management Department, Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Malikussaleh, Indonesia. 3 Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Malikussaleh, Indonesia. 4 Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Malikussaleh, Indonesia. 5 Department of Anthropology and Sociology, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Malikussaleh, Indonesia. 6 Department of Political Science and Communication, Faculty of Social and Political Science, Universitas Malikussaleh, Indonesia Abstract Following the confict that prevailed from 1976 to 2005, a state of social disintegration persisted between former combatants of the Gerakan Aceh Merdeka - GAM (Free Aceh Movement) and the civil society in Aceh. This disintegration was typically fueled by the former GAM combatants’ militaristic and pragmatic mindsets, instability, and low economic well-being. Interestingly, former GAM combatants in Nisam Antara Subdistrict, North Aceh Regency, have managed to collaborate and coexist with local communities, exemplifying successful social reintegration that distinguishes them from their counterparts in other regions of Aceh. This article delves into the reality of social reintegration between former GAM combatants and the local populace, with a specifc focus on the oil palm plantations managed by former GAM combatants. The study adopts a descriptive qualitative approach, and data was gathered through a combination of observations, in-depth interviews, document analyses, and focus group discussions. Key informants for this study included former GAM combatants, community and traditional leaders, plantation workers, and members of civil society. The study reveals that moral obligations within communities are guided by local wisdom, which acts as a form of social capital that fosters economic and social collaborations. Local wisdom serves as a social capital that nurtures the development of fraternity, mutual trust, cooperation, and solidarity. Moreover, it has the capacity to minimize diferences and resentments, thereby promoting unity between former GAM combatants and local communities. This unity signifcantly contributes to the sustainability of peace in Aceh, Indonesia. Keywords: former GAM combatant; local wisdom; social reintegration; Aceh Introduction In conflict-affected communities, reintegration is an essential and complex mater that demands thorough and comprehensive measures (Bhandari, 2019; Kaplan & Nussio, 2018; Torjesen, 2013). It extends beyond addressing issues such as disarmament, the demobilization of former combatants, and the provision of post-war economic support; Jurnal Ilmu Sosial dan Ilmu Politik Volume 27, Issue 2, November 2023 (141-156) rather, it is a holistic and perpetual process. Reintegration encompasses a broader spectrum, involving the roles that former fghters can assume, their integration into social, political, and economic structures, and their management of associated challenges (Torjesen, 2013). Without supported reintegration, former GAM combatants may risk being involved in criminal and subversive political activities (Nirzalin & ISSN 1410-4946 (Print), 2502-7883 (Online) htps://doi.org/10.22146/jsp.82251