Army Chief Assures No Additional TNI Personnel Needed for Aceh Security

Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Maruli Simanjuntak has assured that no additional TNI personnel will be deployed to Aceh, despite recent unrest during the commemoration of Aceh's 21st Peace Day. Simanjuntak stated that the situation in the province is currently under control and that the TNI will continue to support the police in maintaining security.

"No, there will be no additional (security)," Simanjuntak said, adding that he had checked the situation and confirmed that extra personnel were not necessary. He emphasized that the TNI remains committed to supporting law enforcement in the region.

The unrest occurred in Banda Aceh when a crowd hoisted a traditional Aceh flag, the "bulan bintang" (moon and star), on the main mosque's flagpole. Security forces reportedly asked the group not to raise the flag, but they proceeded, leading to clashes involving stone-throwing between the crowd and authorities.

Despite the incident, Simanjuntak downplayed concerns about further instability, suggesting the situation primarily involved young people and was not overly worrying. Polda Aceh has since reported that the situation has returned to normal, with joint security forces remaining on alert and increasing patrols.