Two Indonesian Hostages have Returned Home, Foreign Minister Says
29 August 2016 16:42 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi, stated that two Indonesians who were held hostage by Abu Sayyaf armed group have returned to their families.
"Two of the hostages have returned to Indonesia on Friday, midnight." Retno said at the State Palace on Monday, August 29, 2016. "On Saturday, August 27, 2016, at 11.30 PM [Western Indonesia Time], foreign ministry has returned them to their families."
The two escaped hostages are Muhammad Sofyan and Ismail, crews of the TB Charles ship owned by Rusianto Brothers, a tug and barge operator company.
Sofyan and Ismail, who had been held hostage since June 2016, escaped from captivity two weeks ago under the cover of darkness.
Retno explained that news of the hostages return has been deliberately covered up due to requests from the family.
"Because of that, we do not hold a press conference like we always do. I am hoping that the release of the other hostages will also be a success." Retno said.
Retno added that Sofyan and Ismail had also managed to provide some information about the armed group for the government. "But it's still classified," Retno concluded.
ISTMAN M.P.