Jakarta – Army chief Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu said the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is not only an enemy of the Indonesian Military (TNI), but is also an enemy of the state.

"Every separatist movement will have to face the people [of this nation]," Ryamizard was quoted as saying by Antara when addressing a function marking the 42nd anniversary of the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) here on Thursday.

Ryamizard said GAM must not be allowed to polarize the TNI. "The indications are very clear. They always corner the TNI, which is trying hard to maintain the state's unity." He also said certain groups were helping the separatist movement. "For us [TNI], it is clear that every movement that might endanger the state's unity has to be fought," he added.

Ryamizard said the TNI would never consider violating the law. "The TNI always thinks and behaves for the sake of this nation's unity," he said, ordering all Kostrad members to remain focused and alert.