The Jakarta Post
June 30, 2003

The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Lhokseumawe, Aceh

Three soldiers are currently being interrogated by Military Police in Lhokseumawe on suspicion of raping four women in Aceh between June 20 and 22.

Military operation spokesman Lt. Col. Ahmad Yani Basuki said in Lhokseumawe on Sunday that the three, identified only as Private SP, Private HD, and Private HL, had committed the crimes separately on different days in North Aceh. The victims were identified as SB, 25; HS, 25; AS, 21; and NL, 19.

The three were arrested on Friday afternoon, and during questioning later that evening, the three soldiers admitted the crimes.

"The questioning of the three suspects and the witnesses has led us to the conclusion that the three did indeed committed the crimes," Antara quoted Yani.

Aceh martial law administrator apologies for rapes BANDA ACEH, Aceh, July 1 (Antara): Aceh martial law administrator Maj. Gen. Endang Suwarya issued an apology here on Tuesday for the conduct of three soldiers who allegedly raped four women in North Aceh district.

"To the victims and their families, I personally and on behalf of the institution apologize for the conduct of the soldiers of the Indonesian Military (TNI)," Endang said during a visit to a refugee camp in the village of Reulet, Muara Dua subdistrict, North Aceh district.

Earlier press reports quoted four women as saying they had been raped by three soldiers.

The three alleged rapists are Chief Pvt. SP, First Pvt. SP and First Pvt. HL.The three are being questioned by the Military Police in North Aceh.

Endang, who is also commander of the Iskandar Muda Regional Military Command overseeing Aceh, said his office would take stern action against the soldiers if they were found guilty of rape.

"We are going to take firm measures against the soldiers. If necessary, they could be discharged from the military. But, of course, that depends mainly on the wisdom of the commander of the TNI Operational Command (in Aceh)," he said.