Indonesian armed forces sets up special force for hostage release

The Indonesian armed forces (TNI) has set up a special squad on standby to assist the release of Indonesians being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf group in the Philippines.

The special squad comprises personnel from the army, the navy and the air force, military spokesman Tatang Sulaiman said here Friday.

"The military commander has prepared a squad. It will be ready to take action whenever it is needed. The TNI is always ready," the spokesman said.

Tatang said that the deployment will be done once there is coordination and an agreement between the governments of Indonesia and the Philippines.

The Indonesian military has been allowed to enter the Philippines' territory for the hostage release, Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizar Ryacude said after his meeting with his Filipino counterpart Voiltaire T.Gasmin in Mannila in June.

Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla on Friday stressed that the government is taking all measures to release the 11 Indonesian seamen being abducted in the Philippines.

The vice president revealed that among the steps is negotiation involving the government and the employers of the kidnapped persons.

However, Security Chief Minister Wiranto has stressed that the government will not comply with the Abu Sayyaf demand of ransom.

Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia have reached a deal on a joint patrol to secure the busy shipping lane in the borders of the nations.

A total of 25 Indonesian nationals have been abducted by Abu Sayyaf group this year and 14 of them were released. Endit