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Government draws praise, criticism in Papua kidnapping case
Jakarta Globe - September 18, 2015
An armed group believed to be part of the separatist Free Papua Organization (OPM) on Thursday night released two Indonesians – identified as loggers Badar, 29, and Ladiri, 28 – to security forces in Papua New Guinea, where both had been held since their capture on the Indonesian side of the border last week.
The release reportedly took place without incident and the two men are said to be healthy.
"I really appreciate President Joko Widodo for immediately contacting Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Peter O'Neil and requesting his help in releasing the two civilians," Setya Novanto, speaker of the House of Representatives, said in a statement distributed in Jakarta on Friday.
Setya also extended his praises to Indonesia's security forces and the government of Papua New Guinea.
Separately, the kidnapping and subsequent release received criticism from political expert Zainal Abidin, who questioned the authenticity of the entire situation.
"People will naturally praise Joko for helping free the two Indonesians," he said. "[But] I think it's only fair we remain suspicious; this may have been a scenario created by the [Indonesian] government to boost its popularity," he added.
Zainil pointed out OPM leader Jefry Endang Sodik's denial of the separatist group's involvement in the matter.
"The OPM are known to admit holding Indonesian nationals hostage and they often make demands in exchange for [the hostages'] freedom. But in this case, the group has denied any wrongdoing," Zainil said on Tuesday as quoted by Intelijen.co.id.
"This definitely raises questions, especially as State Intelligence Agency [BIN] chief Sutiyoso is very good at handling [such matters]," he added.
The Indonesian government expects to have both hostages in custody later this afternoon.
Source: http://jakartaglobe.beritasatu.com/news/govt-draws-praise-criticism-papua-kidnapping-case/.
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