More than 1,000 Indonesian troops have left Aceh province - the first withdrawal of forces after a peace deal made with Acehnese last week.
About 1,200 troops left northern Aceh onboard naval vessels.
Under the terms of the peace deal, the government has pledged to withdraw all non-local forces from Aceh by the end of the year.
The Free Aceh Movement representatives have agreed to disarm in return for political representation.
Some 15,000 people have died in more than 29 years of conflict between the government and GAM.
"The pullout is part of our commitment to the peace agreement," said military spokesman Ahmad Yani Basuki.
An estimated 40,000-50,000 police and troops are currently stationed in Aceh. About 14,700 military and 9,100 police will remain after the Indonesian military completes its withdrawal under the terms of the peace deal.
Two battalions from the army's special forces, known as Kostrad, left onboard a navy ship from Krueng Geukueh port in North Aceh on Monday morning, Mr Basuki said.
Some soldiers expressed confidence in the future of the peace agreement.
"I am sure GAM will hand over their weapons" and abide by the accord, Sergeant Kadmirah told the Associated Press.
Under the terms of the agreement, the rebels have put to one side their demand for full independence, accepting instead a form of local self-government and the right to eventually establish a political party.
In turn, the Indonesian government has agreed to release political prisoners and offer farmland to former combatants, to help them reintegrate into civilian life.
A human rights court will be established, as will a truth and reconciliation commission.
Non-local Indonesian troops and police will leave Aceh, and GAM fighters will disarm.
Monitors from the European Union and South East Asia begin work on 15 September to ensure the pact is implemented properly.
PHOTO CAPTION
Indonesian soldiers walk to board a navy ship as they prepare to pull out of Aceh province at the Krueng Geukuh harbour in Lhokseumawe August 22, 2005. (REUTERS)