Indonesia Prioritizes Dialog To Free Hostages In The Philippines

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The Indonesian government is prioritizing the dialog option with the Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippine waters to free the 10 Indonesian crew members being held hostage.

"Once again for the last time, the dialog option is being prioritized to save the hostages," President Joko Widodo stated here, Sunday evening.

The government, however, is also readying a swift action force in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, to conduct an operation whenever the need arises.

The Indonesian military cannot take any action in another country's waters without its prior permission, the president affirmed.

"I continue to monitor from the simulation to the exercise phase, if needed. But, to enter another country's territory, they must have a permit," he emphasized.

A military operation to free hostages in another country also requires a green light from the House of Representatives (DPR), he added.

The government has not sought the DPR's permission to conduct such an operation, he remarked.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi earlier noted that the ministers had contacted the family members of the hostages and had inquired about their whereabouts.  

Minister Marsudi had emphasized that the Indonesian government was doing its best to free the sailors being held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in the Philippines waters.

"In the process of handling this case, I continue to communicate and coordinate with various relevant parties in Indonesia and the Philippines, including the foreign minister of the latter country," she affirmed.

The hostage crisis came to light when someone claiming to be a member of the Abu Sayyaf group called on the owner of the vessel and demanded a ransom of Rp14.2 billion in exchange.

Foreign Minister Retno is currently on a visit to the Philippines to negotiate with its government on the steps to be taken to secure the release of the hostages. (WDY)