Dani Aswara, Jakarta – Major General Freddy Ardiansyah, Head of the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) Information Center, has clarified a circulating video regarding the attempted interception of a flood relief ship in Aceh by a group of individuals in camouflage uniforms.
The incident caused concern, as one of the interceptors was seen wearing an armband bearing a red crescent star, an emblem resembling the flag of the former Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Freddy confirmed the incident but immediately moved to counter the speculation about GAM's involvement.
"The event in the video did occur, but it was not carried out by the GAM armed group. Instead, it was done by two members of the KPA Meja Ijo Idi Cut in East Aceh," Freddy said in a written statement on Monday, December 8, 2025. KPA, or the Aceh Transition Committee, comprises former GAM combatants.
The incident took place on December 4, 2025, while the Ferry Express Bahari was transporting flood relief logistics. The aid originated from the Head of the Aceh Women's Empowerment and Family Welfare Empowerment Team and was intended for three flood-affected areas: Aceh Tamiang Regency, East Aceh, and Langsa City.
According to the widely circulated social media video, as the ship passed, two individuals in camouflage uniforms and berets halted its progress. They then requested a portion of the aid to be handed over to them. The ship's crew refused the request, as the individuals could not produce any official orders or documentation from the East Aceh Regency Government.
Freddy stressed that the distribution of aid for Sumatra flood victims must follow official procedures to ensure proper targeting. He reiterated the crew's stance: "The two individuals requested a portion of the aid to be given to them, but could not produce any official documents."
Subsequently, TNI soldiers escorting the aid ship instructed the two individuals to contact the Governor of Aceh, Muzakir Manaf, directly. However, they ignored this instruction. Freddy noted that as maritime security personnel approached, the aid ship was able to continue its journey safely to Kuala Langsa Port.
Freddy criticized the actions of the two KPA members as arrogant and unjustifiable, stating that their conduct had the potential to hinder the crucial distribution of aid desperately needed by flood-affected communities in Aceh.
He affirmed that the TNI, in coordination with other security forces, had taken measures to enhance security along all aid distribution routes, including maritime passages, to prevent similar incidents from reoccurring.
"The TNI urges all parties not to obstruct aid distribution in humanitarian emergencies. Our main focus is to expedite flood relief efforts and ensure aid reaches those in need," Freddy concluded.