Following the collapse of the internationally brokered Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) on 18 May 2003, a state of martial law was declared in Aceh.

On 19 May 2003, Presidential Decree 28/2003 was enacted, placing Aceh under the administration of the military. The decree imposed martial law in Aceh for a period of six months, but was then extended to one year. The security status in Aceh was eventually downgraded to that of a civil emergency on 18 May 2004.