These flags bore the symbol used by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) during the conflict against government soldiers in the past few years.Banda Aceh, Aceh (ANTARA News) - The Commander of the Iskandar Muda Regional Military Command Major General Pandu Wibowo said the Indonesian military (TNI) will take stern measures against those flying the crescent and star flag in the Aceh province.
"We will lower and confiscate the hoisted crescent and star flags," he said after a ceremony held to inaugurate Malek Mahmud as the Nanggroe Guardian on Monday.
Pandu stated that a handful of people were still trying to worsen security conditions in the countrys western-most province by carrying and raising crescent and star flags.
"We will not play this game. We will lower the flags," he warned.
Earlier in the day, military and police personnel had seized tens of crescent and star flags from a group of people who wanted to attend the ceremony.
These flags bore the symbol used by the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) during the conflict against government soldiers in the past few years.
The Home Ministry has banned the flag as it violates Government Regulation No. 77/2000 related to the regional coat of arms. The regulation bans the use of flags or symbols similar to those owned by separatist movements or banned organizations.
Pandu expressed hope that the inauguration of the Nanggroe guardian will help maintain peace and order in the province.
"We hope the Nanggroe guardian will be able to protect the entire population of Aceh," he said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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