Army Chief Maruli Confirms No Additional TNI Personnel in Aceh
Army Chief of Staff (KSAD) General TNI Maruli Simanjuntak has confirmed that there will be no additional TNI personnel deployed for security in Aceh following the unrest that occurred during the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration in Banda Aceh.
Maruli said the TNI remains prepared with security measures and will support the police in maintaining the situation in Aceh. However, he assessed that additional personnel are not yet necessary.
“No, there is no addition (of security personnel),” Maruli said on the grounds of Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday (17/8).
Maruli said the situation in Aceh remains under control so far. He also mentioned that he had checked the situation until the morning together with the Regional Military Commander.
“It is fine, yes (the situation in Aceh is safe). There is no need (for additional security). I have asked until this morning, I checked, the Regional Military Commander does not need it. (We) continue to support the police’s duties to secure the region,” he added.
Maruli said the TNI will assist the police in law enforcement if necessary. He said this step is part of securing the situation in Aceh.
“We support the police in enforcing the law,” Maruli said.
When asked about the possibility of further unrest, Maruli said there is no need to add TNI personnel. He also said the situation that occurred mostly involved young people.
“There is no problem, they are just young people. It is not too (worrying),” he said.
Previously, unrest occurred in the courtyard of the Baiturrahman Grand Mosque, Banda Aceh, during the 21st Aceh Peace Day commemoration on Saturday (15/8). The unrest was triggered by the raising of the crescent moon flag on the main pole of the mosque.
Officers had asked the crowd not to raise the flag, but the crowd still did so. The situation then heated up, leading to throwing between the crowd and officers around the mosque and the road in front of it.
The Aceh Regional Police stated that the situation after the unrest has returned to being controlled and conducive. Joint personnel are still on standby around the location and patrols will be increased in several areas of Aceh.
Amid the issue, Minister of Law Supratman Andi Agtas said President Prabowo Subianto has ordered him to coordinate with the House of Representatives regarding the Aceh Special Autonomy Law, which will end in 2027.
“For the people of Aceh, I have met with the Governor, then also the Deputy Governor and all members of the Aceh House of Representatives,” Supratman said at Merdeka Palace on Monday (17/8).