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View all search resultsGovt dismisses ransom-paying claims for release of kidnapped sailors
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Coordinating Political, Legal, and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan (left) and Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara (center) listen to a journalist's question in a press conference in Jakarta on March 22. (ANTARA FOTO/Hafidz Mubarak)
C
oordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan insists the government has never paid ransoms for the release of Indonesian sailors held hostage by Philippine groups.
He was responding to lawmaker TB Hasanuddin, who claimed the government had paid ransoms demanded by the Abu Sayyaf militant group for the release of kidnapped Indonesian sailors, an alleged practice he claims to be the reason why kidnappings continue to occur.
"If we had paid the ransoms, we would have to account for the money spent," Luhut asserted on Monday in Jakarta.
Jakarta is in communications with Manila to coordinate efforts for the release of seven Indonesian sailors held hostage by Philippine groups in Sulu waters on June 20, Luhut said, adding that Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu was in the Philippines to discuss the matter.
Regarding the ransom demanded by the two unidentified groups in return for hostages, Luhut said the government was awaiting further information from the Philippine intelligence body working closely with the country.
The latest round of kidnappings is the third this year, prompting the government to form joint patrols with Malaysia and the Philippines to secure regional waters. (ags)
