Banda Aceh – The civil state of emergency administrator state in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam (NAD) province has stated that the shoot on sight order is still in force as regards all perpetrators who disturb security and destroy public facilities in the province as of Wednesday (09/06).

Abdullah Puteh, the civil emergency state administrator in Aceh as well as the Governor of Aceh, made this statement to reporters after a coordination meeting with local government in Banda Aceh on Wednesday.

Puteh said that despite the change in Aceh's status from martial law to a civil state of emergency, the shoot on sight order was being maintained to make the general public feel more safe.

The order was imposed by the martial law administrator in Aceh on all perpetrators in the province at the beginning of the implementation of martial law in May 2003.

"This kind of order is required as a shock therapy for security perpetrators. However, we must of course begin this with a warning shot procedure," said former administrator of martial law status in Aceh, Maj. Gen. Endang Suwarya.

In addition, the ban for foreign citizens and ships from entering Aceh also still prevails. However, this ban does not apply for the regency of Sabang.

According to Puteh, ad interim Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Hari Sabarno has approved this as Sabang is considered as the most potential tourist destination in Aceh.

Sabang is also regarded as the safest area, compared to other regencies in Aceh All foreign people who wish to visit Sabang must go through Sultan Iskandar Muda airport, Banda Aceh. Those entering Aceh by sea must report first to the police before entering Sabang.

[Yuswardi A. Suud – Tempo News Room.]