Bogor, W Java (Antara) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) expressed gratitude for the release of the ten Indonesian crew members who were taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in the Philippine waters.
"Alhamdulillah, gratitude to Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala, finally, the 10 Indonesian crew held hostage by the armed group since March 26, 2016, have now been released," President Jokowi stated at the Bogor Presidential Palace on Sunday.
The president noted that according to recent information, the 10 Indonesian sailors will be flown in from the Air Force Base Zamboanga to Jakarta. They were expected to arrive at midnight in Jakarta.
"Our ten Indonesian citizens are in good condition and will soon be returned to Indonesia," he affirmed.
The president stated that several parties were involved in the process and had cooperated in the efforts to release the 10 Indonesian sailors.
"Therefore, I would like to express my gratitude and laud all parties and citizens who have helped in the release process," he stated.
President Jokowi revealed that both formal and informal approaches were deployed to secure the release of the abducted Indonesians.
The president held an impromptu press conference at the Bogor Presidential Palace after Foreign Affairs Minister Retno L.P. Marsudi delivered a report on the release of ten Indonesian crew members on Sunday afternoon.(*)
