Robber allegedly linked to GAM runs with Rp 2 b
Robber allegedly linked to GAM runs with Rp 2 b
Apriadi Gunawan
The Jakarta Post
Medan, North Sumatra
Security authorities in southern Aceh and North Sumatra are
hunting for a mystery robber described as a Free Aceh Movement
(GAM) separatist said to be carrying Rp 2 billion (US$235,000) to
finance terror attacks.
However, details of the man and the source of the money are
extremely vague.
Sibolga-Central Tapanuli military commander Lt. Col. Baja
Bungaran said the stolen money was likely earmarked to finance
terror operations by GAM Medan commander Abdul Wahab, who was
recently arrested in connection with bomb blasts in Medan.
Baja did not know who the man was but only that he was 170-
centimeters tall, had short, straight hair, a dark-brown
complexion and brown eyes. He did not say where the money was
stolen from.
He apparently fled from South Aceh regency to North Sumatra
province.
"South Aceh Police are chasing him, but his whereabouts is
hart to detect, and he allegedly fled using a fishing boat," Baja
said.
He said his forces would continue to be vigilant for any
possible terror attacks by monitoring the movement of Acehnese.
Thirty Acehnese without proper identity cards had been
arrested since May 12, he said.
Abdul Wahid, in charge of GAM operations in the regency of
Deli and in Medan, told police that 40 GAM soldiers were planning
further terror attacks in Medan.
Police launched an immediate hunt for his followers resulting
in the arrest of more than a dozen people in connection with the
bombings in Medan. The search is continuing.
A bomb exploded in the parking lot of the Medan mayor's office
on March 31, and another at a gas pipeline belonging to state oil
and gas company Pertamina near the Deli seaport on April 1. No
injuries or serious damage resulted.
Meanwhile, Bukit Barisan (North Sumatra) Military commander
May. Gen. Tri Tamtomo called on GAM rebels not to attack civilian
targets. "Fight with the TNI and police face to face."
He said GAM rebels could only commit robberies and terror
attacks.