JAKARTA - The Head of the Information Center (Kapuspen) of the TNI Headquarters, Major General (Mar) Freddy Ardianzah, emphasized that the dissolution of the mass action in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, had prioritized persuasive steps and was carried out in accordance with the rules.
TNI AD soldiers from Korem 011/Lilawangsa dispersed the mass action because they carried the flag of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) and a pistol type firearm and a sharp weapon type bayonet.
"The TNI emphasizes that the prohibition of the hoisting of the moon star flag is based on the applicable legal provisions because the symbol is identified with a separatist movement that is contrary to the sovereignty of the Republic of Indonesia," Freddy said in his statement in Jakarta, Saturday, quoted by Antara.
This has also been regulated in Articles 106 and 107 of the Criminal Code, Article 24 letter a, Law Number 24 of 2009, and PP Number 77 of 2007.
Freddy explained that the incident began on Thursday, December 25 morning, which continued until early Friday in Lhokseumawe City. At that time, a group of people gathered, convoyed and carried out a demonstration, and some waved the moon star flag which is identical to the GAM symbol, accompanied by shouts that could provoke public reaction and disrupt public order, especially in the midst of Aceh's post-disaster recovery efforts.
After receiving the report, Danrem 011/Lilawangsa Colonel Inf Ali Imran immediately coordinated with the Lhokseumawe Police and together with personnel from Korem 011/LW and Kodim 0103/North Aceh, they went to the location.
The TNI-Polri apparatus prioritized a persuasive step by calling for the action to be stopped and the flag to be handed over. However, because the appeal was ignored, the police carried out a measured dispersal by securing the flag to prevent an escalation of the situation.
During the process, there was an argument, and during the examination of one of the people in the group, one Colt M1911 type firearm was found along with ammunition, magazines, and sharp weapons. The person concerned was then secured and handed over to the police for processing in accordance with applicable laws.
The coordinator of the demonstration action stated that the incident was only a misunderstanding and agreed to make peace with the police. The TNI appealed to the public not to be easily provoked by information that has not been verified for its truth.
"The TNI regrets the circulation of videos/content containing incorrect narratives and discrediting the TNI institution. This information does not match the facts on the ground and has the potential to mislead the public," said Freddy.
TNI and the local government and related authorities will continue to prioritize the approach of dialogue, persuasion, and humanism to reduce the potential for conflict, maintain security stability, and ensure that the people of Aceh can focus on the recovery of social and economic life after the disaster.
"The TNI is committed to keeping Aceh safe, peaceful, and within the framework of the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia," he concluded.
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