Lhokseumawe – According to Iskandar Muda Military chief Maj. Gen. Supiadin AS, the Indonesian Military (TNI) has withdrawn its troops from the forests and villages of Aceh.

This is aimed at giving members of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) the opportunities to gather and ready themselves to collect their weapons and matters.

"This is also aimed for us to prepare for the surrender, starting from August 15. This is what we really want," said Supiadin on Friday (05/08).

He added that in the run-up to the signing of the peace agreement between the Indonesian government and GAM in Helsinki, Finland, on August 15, certain parties who do not want to see the peace agreement realized have slandered and accused the other parties.

Supiadin made this statement while providing guidance to 256 heads of village and public figures in 13 sub districts in North Aceh, Bireuen, and the city of Lhokseumawe.

"Therefore, I wish to deliver this statement to all of you so that you will not receive wrong information," he said.

Regarding the withdrawal of the troops, Supiadin said that this would be carried out in line with how many GAM weapons were handed over. (Imran MA-Tempo News Room)