The Indonesian military officers were busy arresting looters who ran amuck in local markets Thursday to get food as relief supplies still didn't reach most ofrefugees in the tsunami-hit Aceh Province.

At least 12 people were caught in hand stealing rice, sugar, coffee and chicken eggs from several shops in Banda Aceh.

"Under whatever circumstances, including disasters and hunger threat, we must consider looting as a crime," army soldier Moh Mohaimin was quoted by the official Antara news agency as saying.

"Once we keep a blind eye on a few looters, a lot of others will follow," he added.

A breakdown in infrastructure and a serious lack of fuel have hampered relief workers to deliver logistics immediately.

Reports also said refugees looted electronic goods and motorcycles.

More than 105,000 people have taken refuge following tidal waves that struck the province on Sunday.