Indonesia Hopes for Duterte Role in Releasing Indonesian Hostages

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that he has been communicating with the new Philippine government in an attempt to release seven Indonesians held hostage in the Philippines.

The newly elected Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, Luhut said, has a firmer stand in addressing this hostage case.

"His stand is different from the one of the former president. Duterte puts more emphasis on the role of Misuari to be Duterte’s counterpart," Luhut said on Friday (1/7).

For the record, Luhut refers to Nur Misuari as a senior group of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), which has connections with Abu Sayyaf.

Misuari was involved in the negotiation process, which saved the lives of 14 Indonesian nationals in previous hostage cases.

"Duterte’s tie with MNLR is closer. Maybe later Misuari will help solve this problem through his followers, or those in the Abu Sayyaf," said Luhut.

Luhut did not deny if the Indonesian military (TNI) I on alert at the border of Indonesia and the Philippines to prepare other options, such as military operations.  However, he added the TNI would not necessarily break through boundaries.

In the meantime, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said communication between the Indonesian government and Philippine government would not be affected by the new administration of the Philippines.

"Our communication is good. In the future, we hope we can improve it,” Retno said.

YOHANES PASKALIS