Indonesia withdraws 1,300 troops from Aceh

Banda Aceh, Indonesia (dpa) - Some 1,300 Indonesian soldiers were pulled out of Aceh province Monday, marking the first major step by the government towards implementing an historic peace accord struck last week with separatist fighters.

Two battalions from the army's Kostrad strategic reserve, about 1,300 personnel, left Monday morning on board a navy ship from North Aceh's Lhokseumawe harbour after a farewell ceremony was held, led by Aceh's military commander Major General Supiadin A.S.

"The withdrawal of the two battalions is part of our commitment to the peace agreement signed (last week) by the government and GAM,'' Supiadin told reporters.

Some 15 rebels reportedly surrendered themselves, and five military rifles, to government authorities at two different districts in the province last week, but disarmament of rebels from the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) is expected to begin September 15.

The withdrawal and disarmament are part of the peace deal signed by Indonesia and GAM in Helsinki last Monday, paving the way for an end to nearly 30 years of armed conflict in the province which has left more than 13,000 people, mostly civilians, dead.

As part of the peace accord, GAM agreed to drop its long-held demand for independence of the resource-rich province, and to disarm its 3,000 fighters.

In return, Jakarta pledged to allow the province more autonomy, as well as to pull its non-local military troops by the end of the year, offer amnesties to rebels, allow the creation of local political parties in the province, and provide jobs and land for GAM members.

About 14,000 military and 7,000 police are expected to remain in Aceh after the pullout is completed.

However, the rebels have expressed concern that 10,000 alleged proxy militia members belonging to the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) were active in Aceh and threatened to kill rebels after they disarm under the pact.

In response to the concern, the Indonesian government pledged that it would protect former rebels when they return home. dpa na sh eu jh