Indonesia Must Apply Diplomacy For Release Of Hostages

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The House of Representatives' Commission-I Chairman, Mahfud Siddiq, has urged the government to apply diplomacy in dealing with its Philippine counterpart for the release of ten Indonesians being held hostage likely by the Abu Sayyaf group.  

"The government of Indonesia should coordinate with the Philippines to set free the ten Indonesian nationals abducted by the Abu Sayyaf group," Siddiq remarked here on Tuesday.

Siddiq noted that the Indonesian government did not need to fulfill the group's demand for ransom worth Rp15 billion but to build communication with the Philippine authorities to resolve the issue.  

"The Abu Sayyaf group is now under immense pressure and is facing financial difficulties, so it commits extortion by taking hostages," Siddiq pointed out.

In the meantime, member of the House's Commission-I, Tantowi Yahya, affirmed that in accordance with custom and ethical diplomacy, Indonesia must use its representative in Manila with the assistance of the State Intelligence Agency.

Yahya emphasized the need to communicate with the Abu Sayyaf group in a bid to free the ten Indonesian nationals.

State Intelligence Agency Chief Sutiyoso had earlier confirmed that the Indonesian ship Brahma 12 was hijacked by the Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippine waters, and at least ten Indonesian nationals were taken hostage. (WDY)