Agus Dwikarna yet to be released

JAKARTA: Agus Dwikarna, an Indonesian national detained by Philippine authorities for allegedly carrying components to make explosives, has yet to be released, Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirayuda said on Monday.

Dwikarna is still undergoing investigation by the Philippines police and the date for his release has yet to be confirmed, Hassan said.

Unlike the cases of Jamal Balfas and Tamsil Linrung, who were arrested at Ninoy Aquino airport on the same charges, President Megawati Soekarnoputri did not intervene in Agus' questioning.

"We have asked the Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines Soeratmin to discuss the matter further with Philippines intelligence ... nevertheless, we will respect the decision taken by the Philippines government," Hassan said. --JP