"We are delighted to confirm that Malcolm Primrose has been released. Embassy officials are with Mr Primrose and are providing consular assistance. We would like to place on record our warm thanks for the support we have received from the Indonesian authorities, as well as from the Governor of Aceh and his staff, the Chief of Aceh police and his team, and the many others who have worked so hard to secure his release," the statement said.
Earlier Malcom Primsore (60), was reported to have been abducted by an armed group at 11am on Tuesday in the village of Lubok, Pempeng, East Aceh.
"The abduction was reported at 2.30pm, done by an armed group wielding short-and long -barrel guns," the head of the public information department of the National Police Headquarters, Senior Commissioner Agus Rianto, said.
He said the incident occurred when the victim, who is a foreign employee of sub-contractor PT Medco E&P, was on the way to a base camp in Rantau Peureulak from a drilling site.
When reaching Lubok Pempeng, his car, a Pajero jeep, with plate number BK 1733 ZN was stopped by unknown armed group. The driver was dropped off in the street while the victim was tied and taken way in a black Avanza minibus with no plate number.
Agus said the police were still studying and investigating the case while search was being done based on initial information from witnesses.
He said the Aceh regional police command has also sent a team to the location to back up the investigation.
"So, we are still waiting for information from our colleagues there," he said.
Agus said the police would continue following the case and called on the public to wait further information with regard to the group.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
