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TNI Returns over 2,000 Troops from Aceh
Wednesday, 19 October, 2005 | 01:08 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Lhokseumawe:Around 2,000 troops of the Indonesian Military (TNI) in four battalions have returned to Krueng Geukuh port, Dewantara sub-district, Lhokseumawe, on Tuesday (18/10).

The returned TNI personnel included Battalion 312/Kala Hitam assigned to Calang and East Aceh, Cross Air Battalion/Battalion Lintas Udara (Linud) 433/Julu Siri Kostrad Makassar assigned to Calang Aceh Barat, Battalion 521/Dadah Yudha assigned to Aceh Barat and the eighth Marine Battalion, which guarded the waters in East Aceh and Tamiang.

Indonesian Military (TNI) Security Recovery Command chief in Aceh, Maj. Gen. Supiadin AS, said that the withdrawal of non-organic weapons from Aceh was part of the MoU implementation signed by the Indonesian government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM). “This is the realization of the TNI’s commitment for peace,” said Supiadin.

He hoped that the success of the second-stage surrender of arms would continue until GAM had no more weapons. “If the weapons still exist, it means those who have them are armed criminals,” said Supiadin.

Nur Djuli, the GAM representative residing in Malaysia, said that the peace process would last if the two parties were willing to help support the it. “Don’t make any move that might trigger doubts and destroy the peace. GAM is prepared to maintain the peace. I think the Indonesian government will do the same,” said Djuli. (Imran M.A.-Tempo News Room)