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.