Indonesian Special Forces Ready to Help Rescue Hostages in Philippines

Indonesian Special Forces from various units are on standby in the Tarakan border area in North Kalimantan as negotiations are underway with Philippine authorities about how to secure the release of 10 Indonesian boat crew members taken hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group.

Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi has visited Manila to coordinate and discuss rescue efforts with her Philippine counterpart, Jose Rene Almendras, and President Joko Widodo says he is monitoring developments closely.

Although officials say a "soft approach" remains the priority at the time, Joko said personnel from the Indonesian Military (TNI)'s Quick Reaction Strike Force (PPRC) are already in the Tarakan border area, although they can't launch any operations without permission from Manila.

“Indeed, the Foreign Affairs Minister reported to me that there must be a permit from the Philippine parliament [to let Indonesian forces enter the country],” Joko said in Jakarta on Sunday (03/04) night.

Around 500 military personnel have been involved in a training exercise in Tarakan since Sunday.

The troops are focusing on hostage release simulations on land and at sea, said the commander of Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad), Lt. Gen. Edy Rahmayadi, who leads the training.

The PPRC is comprised of members of Special Forces units from various branches of the TNI, including Kopassus (Army), Kopaska (Navy), Denjaka (Marines) and Paskhas (Air Force).

Five warships, three helicopters and a CN-295 military aircraft are also deployed for the operation, according to Edy.

Sutiyoso, the head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN), said the ten Indonesians are believed to be in good health, and that they are being held together with hostages, from Belgium, Canada and Norway.

TNI Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo says the Indonesian side is waiting for a call and authorization to strike, adding that the TNI is happy to provide the Philippines with any help, including personnel and weaponry, to release the hostages and take down Abu Sayyaf.

"We have been monitoring everything and are prepared in case we are needed to strike," Gatot said.

The ten Indonesians were taken hostage on March 26, when the militants hijacked an Indonesian-flagged tugboat and barge en route to the Philippines from Banjarmasin in East Kalimantan.

Abu Sayyaf has long been notorious for carrying out kidnappings, beheadings, bombings and extortion. The group, which has been a major influence on other terror groups in Southeast Asia, has demanded a $1 million ransom for the release of the Indonesian hostages.