6 Indonesian Crewmen Detained in Libya Freed: Says Foreign Minister

Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno L.P Marsudi. Photo: Nidiya/MINA

Jakarta, MINA – The Indonesian Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi has handed over six ship-crew members to their families Monday.

The six crewmen were taken into custody by an armed group in Benghazi, Libya, since September 23, 2017, announced the minister, Libyan Express reported.

“I would like to thank the hostage rescue team. This is the collective hard work of the Foreign Affairs’ citizenship protection directorate, Indonesian intelligence Agency [BIN], and Indonesian Embassies in Tripoli and Tunisia,” Retno said.

“We have also communicated with the crew to confirm their condition,” she further explained.

In her statement, Retno said the release was beset by multiple obstacles, including political and security factors. She added the ministry would provide assistance to help restore the rights of the crew. (T/RS5/RS1)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)