Indonesia is preparing to move thousands of civilians in the province of Aceh from their homes in conflict zones and into tented camps.
Mr Ruchadi Ardiwinata, secretary general of the ministry, did not say how many people may be moved but said the ministry would provide enough tents for 60,000 people.
He said 2,000 tents would eventually be erected and each could house up to 30 people.
Mr Ardiwinata said 24 of the tents have already been put up, in the Lhokseumawe area. Another 1,280 tents would be brought into the province soon.
"The planned evacuation of the refugees heavily depends on the condition of the area at the time and the activities of the military operation there," Mr Ardiwinata said.
He said the government would not force residents to leave if fighting breaks out near their homes but "we will strongly advise them to leave."
"Our main target is to provide them with basic needs and maximum security." He said civilians would stay two days in the tents.
He said as of today 18,440 people had fled their homes in several districts in Aceh. Of the total, some 8,800 refugees were in South Aceh; another 5,000 are in West Aceh and 2,400 in East Aceh.
AFP