Conflict in Aceh Singkil begins since 1979

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Conflict occurred in Aceh Singkil was because the old problems. Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security, Luhut Binsar Panjaitan, said conflict in Aceh Singkil began since 1979 and it happened again in 2011, 2013, until now.

Actually, Luhut added, there was agreement to undertake demolition of buildings which had no permission to be used as churches.

"But there were people which forced to burn the building, just like what has happened yesterday. Now, the problem has been resolved," said Luhut, in KPK building, South Jakarta, Thursday (15/10).

The government claimed to have been coordinating with the Police to resolve the problem in Singkil.

"Chief of Police has given an explanation to the people there about the problem," Luhut added.

The government also appealed to Aceh Singkil residents who fled to North Sumatra to return to their homes. The government, Luhut continued, had coordinated to secure the situation.

"Residents of Aceh Singkil mostly came from Pakpak instead of Aceh, and many of them are Christians," he said.