Iin Yumiyanti/Swastika & Lyndal Meehanm, Jakarta – As commemorations to mark the 55th anniversary of the declaration of independence on 17 August approach, groups of local people in North Aceh have begun confiscating and forbidding locals from raising the 'Red and White' Indonesian national flag. Many in North Aceh are now frightened because the Aceh City Police had instructed them to raise the national flag on August 17.
The Serambi Indonesia daily newspaper reported Wednesday that the marauding groups had confiscated flags in almost all sub districts of North Aceh within this last two days. Groups of between 7-10 people civilians appraoched local houses and seized flags by force. They also forbade the raising of the national flag on August 17, celebrated throughout Indonesia as Independence Day.
Meanwhile, the police have admitted that they have not yet been informed about the actions of the groups. North Aceh Police Chief Superintendent Drs Abadan Bangko said he would check the facts before taking action. Aceh Police Chief Brigadier General D Sumantyawan said this confiscation was a crime.
"Even though the confiscation was conducted without violence, if as a result people become fearful, this action can be considered as a crime," stated Sumantyawan. He also encouraged Aceh people to report the identities of the perpetrators. "Please inform us of their identities so we can track them. We are deeply sorry for this incident," he added.
Lieutenant Colonel Inf. Iskandar MS also stated that the raising of the 'Red and White' national flag would not be forced upon the general public. He said there would be no officers knocking on people's doors to command the flag be raised.
"Independence Day commemorations are a national phenomenon, but we should also consider the real conditions. Flag raising ceremonies will still be held in the capital of each municipality, considering their facilities," Iskandar said.
While government branches are required to raise the flag on 17 August, civilans usually partake in the occasion as a sign of their nationalist pride, something which runs low in Aceh. In recent years a significant movement for independence has developed as a result of the repression and brutality of the former regime and the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI).
On Tuesday, the Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA) asked the people of Aceh not to fly the Indonesian national flag but to unfurl banners and flags bearing the United Nations' emblem. "The UN flag is to represent all nations," Alfian, a Coordinator of SIRA, explained when contacted by Detik in Banda Aceh.