medcom.id, Jakarta: Ten Indonesian hostages were released by Abu Sayyaf through negotiation. The Indonesian government did not pay ransom money to the militant group.
Eddy Mulya, negotiator from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, mentioned many people involved in the negotiation process.
"It was negotiation. It was team work," said Eddy at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, Sunday (5/1/2016) night.
Eddy revealed Abu Sayyaf actually didn't plan to take Indonesian hostage. The kidnapping was conducted by its members who went rogue.
He explained the negotiation team contacted several people who have close ties with Abu Sayyaf to help freeing the Indonesians. "It was how we establish communication," he continued.
Eddy, who is a researcher, is currently studying terrorism in the southern Philippines. Eddy helped the government using his knowledge about terrorism in the region.
"We have research there. We built school there in 2012. We develop education and scholarship there," he continued.
Eddy Mulya (Photo: Metro TV)
Eddy revealed Surya Paloh Humanitarian Team and Sukma Foundation under Ahmad Baedowi and Samsul Riza Panggabean also had important role in the negotiation.
"It (the negotiation) was spearheaded by Mr. Baedowi. We were contacted by Mr. Baedowi. I once had research with Mr. Baedowi in 2012 about motivation and root causes of terrorism," he mentioned.
Separately, Deputy Chairman of Media Group Rerie L. Moerdijat said Surya Paloh Humanitarian Team comprising of Sukma Foundation, Media Group, and Nasdem Party members involved in the negotiation.
The negotiation was started by Surya Paloh Humanitarian Team on April 4. Abu Sayyaf released the hostages on May 1 at Parang Beach, Sulu, South Mindanao, the Philippines.
Reire explained Sukma Foundation established communication with local leaders and non-governmental organizations in Sulu who have direct access to Abu Sayyaf. It was conducted in coordination with the Indonesian government.
"The process was very dynamic. Sukma Foundation has education cooperation in the region," Rerie stated.
Desi Fitriani, reporter from Metro TV, mentioned the hostages were given to Surya Paloh Humanitarian Team at Parang Beach around noon. They then were brought to Sulu Governor's house. After that, they were moved from Sulu to Zamboanga with two helicopters.
Another reporter from Metro TV, Marializia Hasni, stated the hostages arrived in Zamboanga in the afternoon. They were examined by Philippine officials there.
All hostages were in good condition. The Philippine government then officially handed over the hostages to the Indonesian government.
The hostages came home to Indonesia using private jet. They were arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Base, Jakarta, before midnight.
The ten Indonesians sailors were held hostage by Abu Sayyaf last March. At first, hijackers led by Tawing Umair planned to kidnap businessman in Tawi-Tawi Island in the southern Philippines but their mission failed.
On the way home, the militant group members met with Indonesian vessel, Brahma 12. They then decided to kidnap Indonesian sailors in the vessel.
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