Banda Aceh – At least 5,000 people paraded in Aceh province yesterday to celebrate the country's independence in a show of support for Jakarta's rule over the region.

The peaceful rallies in the provincial capital Banda Aceh were a blow to the separatist Free Aceh Movement, the rebel group that has been waging a bloody 26-year war for self-government.

On Saturday, when Indonesia marked its 57th anniversary of independence from Dutch colonial rule, the province was tense after the insurgents had warned people to boycott any public celebrations.

Several students attempted to disrupt yesterday's rally by holding up briefly banners protesting against the anticipated introduction of new laws in the province.

Many of those at the parade were families waving red-and-white national flags. Others took to the streets in colourfully decorated trucks and buses.

Two rebels and two civilians were killed on Saturday in clashes between troops and insurgents in north Aceh, said military spokesman Zaenal Muttaqien.