Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Professor in international law at the law faculty of University of Indonesia (UI) Hikmahanto Juwana said the government needs to take action in freeing the tens of Sinar Kudus crew members being held hostage by Somalian pirates.

"The relevant government institutions need to take the initiative and decide on action in freeing the crew members held hostage," a press release received by ANTARA said in Jakarta Monday.

Besides that, the relevant government institutions also need to the position of the negotiations between Samudera Indonesia, owner of MV Sinar Kudus, and the pirates. It was also necessary to know about Samudera Indonesia`s capacity and its insurance company in paying the ronsom demanded by the pirates.

The Indonesian representatives in Somalia, he said, also need to think of and prepare anticipative measures when some of the crew member had been freed, including coordination and consultation with the local authorities.

"It is also necessary to think of the status and position of the seized vessel. Will it be allowed to continue its trip with a fresh crew or return to Indonesia," Hikmahanto said.

The government also needs to inform the public on open secrets.

"This is necessary so that the public would understand that the government is doing all it can in freeing its people," he said.
H-NG/S012

Editor: Jafar M Sidik
Copyright © ANTARA 2011