"I really laud the swift action taken by President Jokowi, who made a direct call to O`Neil to seek assistance for the release of the two Indonesian citizens," Novanto said.
Jakarta (ANTARA Newsa) - House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Setya Novanto lauded President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) for coordinating with Papua New Guinea (PNG) Prime Minister Peter ONeil until the Indonesian nationals Sudirman and Badar being held hostage were freed.

"I really laud the swift action taken by President Jokowi, who made a direct call to ONeil to seek assistance for the release of the two Indonesian citizens," Novanto stated here on Friday.

The two Indonesian civilians, who were abducted by a group of gunmen last Friday in Keerom district, Papua province, and moved to Vanimo in PNG, were reported to have been freed following a successful special operation.

Cenderawasi Military Commander Major General Hinsa Siburian confirmed in Jayapura on Friday that the two hostages have been freed by the PNG army.

"Yes, the army of PNG succeeded in freeing the two hostages, and now, they are in the Sandaun provincial city of Vanimo," Siburian noted, adding that the two released hostages are now in good condition.

The DPR speaker also praised the Indonesian Military and Police who were proactive and eager to resolve the hostage drama by deploying a special rescue squad at the border between Indonesia and PNG.

Novanto affirmed that the quick response shown by the Government of PNG should certainly be reciprocated by the Government of Indonesia by boosting bilateral relations between the two countries, both in the security and defense sector, as well as economy and tourism among others.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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