Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that four Indonesian citizens held hostage by group affiliated to Abu Sayyaf has been successfully released. The four Indonesian citizens were currently in good condition and were in the hands of the Philippine government authority.

"Alhamdulillah gratitude to Allah SWT, finally four Indonesian citizens who were held hostage by the armed group since March 15, 2016 can already be released," president Jokowi said when giving his press conference at the State Palace, Jakarta, Wednesday (05/11/2016).

This exemption, the president said, is the result of good cooperation between the government of Indonesia and the Philippines.

"The Indonesian government thanked the Philippine government that gives a very good cooperation in twice liberation of our citizen," said president Jokowi.

The Henry tug boat which was towed Cristy barge was attacked on the way from the Philippines to Kalimantan on March 15. Of the 10 crew members, six were rescued by Malaysian military patrol and four others were taken away by hostage takers with speedboat to the Tawi-tawi waters, Philippines.(jor/erd)

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