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Four Indonesian sailors in good condition: Foreign Minister
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President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo (center) speaks with Malaysian Army chief Tan Sri Dato' Sri Gen. Zulkifeli Mohd Zin (second left), Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo (left), Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi (third right), Philippine Foreign Minister Jose Rene D. Almendras (second right) and Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Caesar C. Taccad (right) during a visit to Gedung Agung in Yogyakarta on Thursday. The three countries have agreed to conduct patrols to increase maritime security and to prevent kidnappings in the region. (Antara/Andreas Fitri Atmoko)
T
span style="line-height:1.6em">The four Indonesian sailors that have been held hostage by armed militant group Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines since mid-April remain in good condition, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi said on Thursday.
The crew members of the tugboat Henry were kidnapped on April 15 while passing through Malaysian and Philippine waters. They are boat captain Aryanto, chief officer Piter, second officer Dede and helmsman Samsir.
"I acquired more detailed information about their condition on Wednesday afternoon. Alhamdulillah [Thank God] they are well," Retno said in Yogyakarta on Thursday as quoted by Antara news agency.
She added that the government would continue to monitor any changes in the hostages’ condition and location.
The government has intensified coordination with Philippine government authorities to secure the release of the crew members.
Retno and her Philippine's counterpart Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Jose Rene D. Almendras had meeting on Thursday, on the sidelines of a joint declaration on maritime security between Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia.
The three countries have agreed to intensify maritime security in the region as the recent spate of kidnappings carried out by Abu Sayyaf are considered to be a threat to national security in the region.
Officials agreed to conduct patrols and to render immediate assistance for the safety of all vessels and crew in the three countries' respective maritime areas, according to the trilateral agreement.
The government is now focusing on the release of four hostages, held by another faction of Abu Sayyaf, following the success of the release of 10 Indonesian sailors on Sunday after being held captive since late march. (rin)
