GAM executes PDI-P executive

Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh

Deputy chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in North Aceh, Said Rafiq Maulana, was shot dead at a checkpoint mounted by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) rebels, the military said on Friday.

Local military spokesman Maj. Zaenal Muttaqin said Rafiq, 38, who chaired the local chapter of the National Entrepreneurs' Association, was shot in Peudawa Panjou village, Idie Rayeuk district in East Aceh on his way to North Aceh's main city of Lhokseumawe.

Rafiq was driving with his brothers, Rizal and Said Jamalus, when they came to a checkpoint manned by armed GAM members on a section of the main road linking Banda Aceh and Medan just after Friday prayer.

"There were many vehicles stopped, including a truck which had already been set on fire," Rizal said as quoted by Zainal.

Rizal added that Rafiq refused to stop the car, prompting the rebels to open fire. One of the bullets struck Rafiq.

Jamalus jumped in the driving seat to take over from the injured Rafiq and sped off to the military hospital in Lhokseumawe. Doctors failed to save Rafiq, who died of heavy blood loss.

GAM spokesman Ishak Daud told The Jakarta Post that he could not confirm the killing, saying he was awaiting the details from his men in the field.

Zainal said a clash between Indonesian Military (TNI) troops and GAM had preceded the incident.

He said the military had killed a GAM member, identified as Ismail, and seized an AK-47 automatic rifle, a radio communication device and dozens of rounds ammunitions.