Aceh rebels said they had detained nine female students because of their "close relationship" with Indonesian troops.

Eight high school students and one university student were detained in the Idi Cut area of East Aceh on Thursday and Friday at the request of their parents, said Free Aceh Movement (GAM) spokesman Ishak Daud.

Daud told AFP the nine had initially been released but were later detained again after their parents had asked they be given "further training" by GAM.

Daud said there was "no immediate plan" to free the nine but they were being "treated properly and in good condition." He said GAM was also searching for three women who have been "persuading" students to date government troops stationed in the staunchly Muslim province.