The Indonesian military continues to launch raids against separatist rebels in tsunami-devastated Aceh province, despite having earlier called a ceasefire to assist aid efforts.

"Our security operations continue," Lieutenant Colonel Nachrowi of the military headquarters general information department said.

"The only difference is that it may be less in scale and intensity.

"The principle is that all our forces in Aceh are basically continuing their duty under the security operation.

But they also have to accord a large portion of their time for the humanitarian relief efforts.

"We continue to launch raids into suspected GAM (Free Aceh Movement) areas and our vigilance remains high."

Lt-Col Nachrowi's comments come despite Indonesian military chief General Endriartono Sutarto previously calling for an unprecedented temporary ceasefire with the rebels to help rebuild the remote province.

"All my soldiers will be used to help overcome this natural disaster and I hope that GAM will also do the same, not using the opportunity for something else because this is really something to do with humanitarian problems," Gen Sutarto said on Monday.