Marsudi said the Indonesian Military has not entered the Philippines territory as it is hampered by the country`s constitution under which a defense agreement is required for such a move.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister, Retno Marsudi, and the Defense Minister, Ryamizard Ryacudu, said Indonesia has coordinated with the Philippines government to free hostages captured by Abu Sayyaf group.

Retno Marsudi and Ryacudu met at the office of the Coordinating Minister of Political, Legal and Security Affairs here on Monday.

Marsudi stated that Indonesia has been considering several options to free the hostages.

"I was assigned by President Joko Widodo to communicate and coordinate to resolve the problem. The commitment of the Philippines government is very clear as it wants to assist in freeing the ten hostages," the Foreign Minister said.

Marsudi said the Indonesian Military has not entered the Philippines territory as it is hampered by the countrys constitution under which a defense agreement is required for such a move.

According to the minister, the deployment of foreign military personnel in the Philippines must be regulated through an agreement.

The regulation was set out in the constitutional mandate of the Philippines and Indonesia should respect that.

Marsudi said another option is also being considered to free the hostages but she cannot mention that as of now.

"We have been reviewing all options. The meeting was held to zero in on the most feasible option to free the hostages," Marsudi said.

Previously, President Jokowi had said the government was according priority to resolving the issue through dialogue with the Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines waters.

"Once again for the last time, priority is being accorded to the option of dialogue to save the hostages," Widodo said on last Sunday.

He added that the government was also readying a swift action force in Tarakan, East Kalimantan, to conduct an operation whenever the need arises.

The Indonesian military cannot take any action in another countrys waters without its prior permission, the president affirmed.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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