Two Indonesian Students Released by Turkish Officers

Jakarta, 24 Dzulqa’dah 1437/27 August 2016 (MINA) – Two Indonesian students detained by the Turkish security forces since August 11 were finally released, Antara reported.

The two female students were arrested for their suspected involvement in the Hizmet/FETO organization.

The two Indonesian students identified as Dwi Puspita Ari Wijayanti and Yumelda Ulan Afrilian were released on Aug. 25 after it was revealed that they were not part of the Hizmet/FETO organization, Head of the Indonesian Citizen Protection Directorate General from the Foreign Ministry Lalu Muhammad Iqbal stated in Jakarta, Friday.

The Turkish government has accused the organization for being the mastermind behind the failed military coup on July 15.

Both Indonesian students were handed over by the Turkish prosecutor to a consulate official in the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara who had traveled to the city of Bursah where the two were held.

The students are currently staying in the Ambassadors residence in Ankara.

“Although they appear to be exhausted, they are healthy and have made telephonic contact with their parents,” Indonesian Ambassador to Turkey Wardana stated.

Dwi and Yumelda were arrested in a house managed by the Pasiad Foundation on Aug. 11.

Iqbal explained that initially, the students were not the officers targets, but since they stayed in the same property as those who had been targeted by the police, they ended up being taken into custody as well.

Following the arrest, the Indonesian Embassy in Ankara had continued to contact several Turkish government officials.

Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi had also been in contact with her Turkish counterpart via telephone to seek the release of both students.

After the failed coup in Turkey in July, the Embassy in Ankara continued to remind Indonesian students in the country to be more careful and avoid any contact with those involved or affiliated with Fethulah Gullen.

They are also suggested to quit any facilities managed by related entities.

Moreover, the Embassy has stayed in touch with the Turkish government to ensure the safety of the Indonesian citizens in the country, especially students who are studying under scholarships from the Pasiad Foundation managed by Fethulah Gullen.

Some 35 students have received the Pasiad scholarship and are being provided shelter at the Ambassadors residence.

Apart from safety reasons, the Indonesian citizens required a shelter as they were no longer receiving funds from the Pasiad Foundation. (T/R07/R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)