TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Agus Widjojo on Wednesday handed over the Dharma Medal award to the former Philippines National Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and former Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Cirilito E. Sobejana.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo awarded the medals for the men’s contribution in the 2019 and 2020 rescue of three Indonesian fishermen who were taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. The same medal was also awarded to 50 Philippine soldiers who were directly involved in the rescue mission.

In his acceptance speech, ambassador Agus Widjojo highly commended the role and commitment shown by the Philippines’ military officials in the rescue mission.

"The award from the Indonesian government is a tangible manifestation of the success of effective defense and security cooperation and the good relations between the two countries," said Ambassador Agus.

According to Agus, it is important to increase cooperation in terms of counter-terrorism and handling cross-border crimes.

"This award is very meaningful to the recipients as well as the Philippine Department of National Defense as a form of recognition of the close cooperation between the two countries," said Lorenzana.

The Dharma award from President Jokowi is the first time it has been awarded to foreign nationals. The award ceremony was attended by officials from the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

One personnel in the rescue mission, unfortunately, died with two others left wounded.

SUCI SEKARWATI

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