Hotli Simanjuntak, Banda Aceh – The choice made by a group of alleged terrorists to center its training operations in the jungles of Aceh province was hopeful at best, a sociologist says.

Humam Hamid, an Acehnese sociologist, said the people of Aceh had become "conflict weary".

"The people are currently choosing to live peaceful lives over becoming involved in a jihad movement offered by a terrorist group from Java," he said.

"The Acehnese had become used to violation and conflict... but never ones vested in religion. Rather, they were about injustices between regional and central governments."

Aceh recently hit the headlines in the wake of an antiterror campaign launched by the National Police. Police raided a number of training camps in Aceh province killing and arresting scores of suspected terrorists.

Two members of the group, Muktar and Munir, have surrendered to police in the last week.

Muktar is believed to be the commander of al-Qaeda Indonesia. Upon arresting the pair, police seized an M-16 assault rifle, an AK-47 assault rifle, three pistols and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Munir, from Aceh, turned himself in on Thursday after being persuaded by his family. Police personnel picked him up at Lamtamot village, Aceh Besar regency.

The village is near Lamkabeu, the site of a firefight between police and the alleged terrorist group a fortnight ago, in which two members of the police's Mobile Brigade were killed.

Munir is believed to have facilitated the group's move from Java to set up a base in Aceh and provided logistics during training exercises.

Police have credited local residents for their help in providing information that helped to uncover the whereabouts of the suspected terrorists.

Humam Hamid said the group that wrongly assumed the Acehnese, with their strong adherence to Islam, would be receptive to their presence and ideology.

"They appeared to have chosen the wrong people," Humam said. "I believe terrorist groups will not try to build a base in Aceh in the future. This has been a bitter experience for them," he said.

Humam warned the Aceh administration against letting up in security efforts and urged it to take heed of the people's welfare, which, if neglected, may push them toward extremist ideologies, especially those who live in poverty.

"People who feel dejected by the state and go hungry could easily fall into a terrorist movement. The government should work to avoid this at all costs," he said.

Deputy Governor Muhammad Nazar appealed to the people to revive preaching forums in Aceh's villages.

He said he believed the forums could effectively work to weed out subversive teachings and influences. "Violent jihad is not part of Acehnese culture," he said.