ASIATODAY.ID, JAKARTA — The Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) have disbanded a public demonstration involving the display of the Free Aceh Movement (Gerakan Aceh Merdeka/GAM) flag in Lhokseumawe, Aceh, authorities confirmed on Thursday, December 25, 2025.
The operation was carried out by the Indonesian Army’s Military Resort Command (Korem) 011/Lilawangsa along the Banda Aceh–Medan national highway, at Simpang Kandang, Muara Dua District. The gathering briefly disrupted traffic and drew public attention.
Commander of Korem 011/Lilawangsa, Colonel Ali Imran, said security personnel acted through dialogue and persuasion, avoiding the use of force. During the operation, one man was detained after authorities discovered he was carrying a handgun and a traditional bladed weapon known as a rencong.
“The TNI disbanded a group displaying GAM flags in a public area. One individual was secured after being found in possession of a pistol and a sharp weapon,” Ali Imran said.
Chronology of the Incident
According to military officials, the group had gathered and staged a convoy while displaying flags bearing the crescent-and-star symbol commonly associated with GAM. Security forces initially urged the crowd to stop the demonstration and voluntarily remove the banners.
Although tensions briefly escalated and verbal arguments occurred, the situation was brought under control through negotiation. The demonstrators eventually handed over the flags and dispersed peacefully.
Authorities identified one individual as a suspected provocateur who allegedly attempted to incite resistance.
He reportedly tried to flee when approached by security personnel but was restrained by local residents before being taken into custody.
Military Clarifies Legal Basis for Action
Head of the TNI Information Center, Major General Freddy Ardianzah, addressed circulating videos and social media narratives that criticized the military’s actions, stating that several claims were misleading and did not reflect the facts on the ground.
“The TNI regrets the spread of inaccurate information that discredits the institution and risks misleading the public,” Freddy said on Friday, December 26, 2025.
He explained that the display of the GAM-associated flag is prohibited under Indonesian law, citing Articles 106 and 107 of the Criminal Code (KUHP), Article 24(a) of Law No. 24/2009, and Government Regulation No. 77/2007, which regulate national symbols and prohibit separatist emblems.
The prohibition, he added, is particularly important in maintaining public order during Aceh’s ongoing post-disaster recovery efforts.
Firearm Handed Over to Police
During a security check, authorities confiscated a Colt M1911 handgun, along with ammunition, a magazine, and a bladed weapon. The individual found in possession of the weapons was subsequently handed over to the police for further legal processing.
Freddy noted that the demonstration’s field coordinator later acknowledged the incident as a misunderstanding and agreed to resolve the matter peacefully with security forces.
“The TNI urges the public not to be easily provoked by unverified information,” he said. (AT Network)
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