Steady exodus from C. Aceh continues
BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): There remained a steady exodus of people from Central Aceh to coastal areas in the province as concerns rose following a warning from the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist group that they would step up attacks against security personnel in the region.
Reportedly, many trucks carrying household furnishings were moving from Central Aceh to North Aceh, Pidie regency and the provincial capital of Banda Aceh.
Central Aceh administration secretary Ibnu Hajar admitted that thousands had left their homes in the regency for coastal areas in the province.
Banda Aceh Police spokesman Comr. Sudharsono told the media in Banda Aceh on Tuesday that police were ready to safeguard the transport of passengers and goods, including fuel, to Central Aceh.
Central Aceh has a population of about 250,000, some 40 percent of which are migrants from Java.
As a result of the growing tension, Central Aceh has seen increasing shortages in food as those operating transport vehicles have been reluctant to ply the Bireuen-Central Aceh route.
The scarcity of fuel and basic necessities have seen prices soar in the regency.
The tension in the area has been aggravated by Central Aceh GAM spokesman Wien Rimba Raya's statement on Monday that separatist rebels will step up attacks on military and police installations in the area.
He urged local communities to temporarily move from the area to prevent casualties.
Violence in Central Aceh in the past month has claimed at least 100 lives including security personnel, alleged rebels and civilians.
Military spokesman for Lhokseumawe Lt. Col. Firdaus claimed that at least 20 alleged rebels have been killed in clashes between the Indonesian Military (TNI) and GAM in Central Aceh in the past month.
Most of the other victims he insisted were civilians killed by the rebels.
Separately, at least five fatalities were reported in an exchange of fire in Panca village, Seulimun subdistrict, Aceh Besar, about 50 kilometers from Banda Aceh on Monday afternoon.
According to Comr. Sudharsono, all five were GAM members. (50)