VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Jakarta (VOI News) - The Government of the Republic of Indonesia through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handed over an Indonesian citizen, Muhammad Farhan, who on 24 September 2019 was held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf militant group, to the family. The handing over of Muhammad Farhan was carried out by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi at the Pancasila Building, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Jakarta, Thursday (23/1). In his address, Foreign Minister Retno said, Farhan was one of three hostages, two of which included the father of Farhan had been released first. Retno also said that the three hostages could be freed thanks to cooperation, both internally in Indonesia and with Philippine authorities. Foreign Minister Retno also expressed her appreciation to the Philippine authorities for their cooperation in the effort to liberate Muhammad Farhan.

“I would like to say welcome to Farhan and welcome to family again. And thanks to the ambassador and all those who have helped and also to the Philippine authorities, we continue to communicate with them,” said Retno Marsudi.

Muhammad Farhan was rescued by the Philippine military at Baranggay Bato Bato, Indanan Sulu on January 15, 2020. Farhan was one of the three Indonesian citizens kidnapped in Tambisan waters, Lahad Datu, Malaysia on September 23, 2019. Two other hostages, Samiun Maneu and Maharudin Lunani have been firstly freed on December 22, 2019. They were also handed over directly by Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi to the family on December 26, 2019. (VOI / AGUS SANTIKA)