Indonesia not to pay ransom to Abu Sayyaf, preparing for possible military operation

The Indonesian government said on Thursday that it would not pay cash to the abductor of the country's citizens, Abu Sayyaf group, in the southern Philippines, as the military is preparing for the possibility of operation to free the hostages, a senior official said here.

Indonesian Security Chief Minister Wiranto said that the government would not be dictated by the terrorist group, and preferred to take a diplomatic approach while making preparation for a possible military operation.

"It will not be paid. The government could not be controlled by such group. The most important is that the operation for the release of the hostages continues," he said at Grand Sahid Hotel.

The government of the Philippines has launched strikes to the hideouts of the Abu Sayyaf group, killing dozens of the militants, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizar Ryacudu has said.

Seven crews of Tugboat Charles 001 and Robby barge ship 152, were abducted in the Sulu Sea of southern Philippines on June 20, according to Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi.

It was the third abduction of Indonesian nationals in the waters between the two countries this year.

The Abu Sayyaf group demands 59 billion rupiah (some 4.468 million U.S. dollars) ransom for the release of the hostages. Enditem