Irian separatists release hostage<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Riyanto, a public works employee kidnapped by
\nIrian Jaya separatists in 1995, was released unharmed yesterday
\nafter persuasive mediation by military officials and local
\nelders.<\/p>\n
Riyanto, 38, was released yesterday afternoon when a military
\nteam met with separatists at an arranged location at a hut on the
\nbank of the Igni River, Merauke, near the Papua New Guinea
\nborder.<\/p>\n
Despite being held captive since Nov. 8, 1995, Riyanto
\nappeared healthy.<\/p>\n
His nonviolent release fell on the same week as last year's
\nmilitary operation to secure the release of 11 hostages held by
\nanother group of separatists in Irian Jaya. However, that
\noperation ended on a sour note when two hostages were killed.<\/p>\n
Riyanto was kidnapped while conducting a road survey near
\nOpkim village, north of Merauke. He and his colleague,
\nPanudjianto, were abducted by separatist forces who were fleeing
\nmilitary forces in a nearby village. Panudjianto was later found
\ndead.<\/p>\n
Riyanto's fate was unknown for some time and was presumed
\ndead.<\/p>\n
However, authorities began hearing reports in January that he
\nwas still alive and, through the help of respected locals,
\nmanaged to locate him.<\/p>\n
The separatist group was soon contacted and talks began to
\nsecure his release.<\/p>\n
Spokesman for Trikora military command in Irian Jaya, Lt. Col.
\nMaulud Hidayat, told journalists in Jayapura yesterday that a 15-
\nman special operation team had been formed, comprised of military
\nand police personnel. The team was lead by soldiers from the
\nTribuana team of Army special forces (Kopassus).<\/p>\n
The help of villagers from Waropko and Upkim were also
\ninvaluable to the team who then went out to hold talks with the
\nseparatists.<\/p>\n
As requested by the separatists, the operation team,
\naccompanied by businessman Frans Leo and residents of Upkim, held
\ntalks directly with Arnold Tumutu, a separatist leader.<\/p>\n
During the handover, a touching show of trust was displayed as
\nTumutu hugged members of the operation team.<\/p>\n
Antara quoted Maulud as saying that Tumutu had requested that
\nthe Indonesian armed forces improve their conduct and not hurt
\npeople's feelings.<\/p>\n
Because of this, Maulud cited the rebel leader as saying, the
\nrelationship between the separatists and the military was like
\nthat between "dogs and pigs".<\/p>\n
Riyanto would be flown to Jayapura this morning. He will soon
\nbe reunited with his wife and two children living in Wangon,
\nPurwokerto, Central Java. (mds)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/irian-separatists-release-hostage-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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