Agus to be released for sake of good RI-RP relations
Tiarma Siboro and Jupriadi The Jakarta Post Jakarta/Makassar
The Philippines government is considering the immediate release of Indonesian citizen Agus Dwikarna, who was arrested for possession of explosive materials, for the sake of long-standing ties between the two countries, a top official said on Monday.
Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said, after meeting with Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's special envoy Noberto B. Gonzalez, that the two governments would arrange within the coming two days a mechanism for Agus' handover from Philippine to Indonesian authorities.
Susilo did not elaborate which of the Indonesian authorities would represent the government in the ceremony to release Agus.
Unlike his two compatriots. Agus remains in detention. The National Philippines Police (PNP) freed Tamsil Dwikarna and Abdul Jamal Balfas last week, following President Megawati Soekarnoputri's intervention.
Gonzalez said earlier on Monday that PNP might not immediately release Agus, pending further investigations.
"PNP will continue with investigations over Agus because we still have to clarify several things with him," Gonzalez told reporters before meeting with Susilo.
Arroyo's special envoy was completing a two-day trip to Indonesia over Agus' case.
Gonzalez denied allegations that political motives were behind the arrest of three Indonesian people in Manila.
"The arrest was made because three countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, have developed a tripartite agreement to combat terrorism," he said.
He stressed that relations between the countries should not be damaged due to enforcement of the agreement.
National Police chief Gen. Da'i Bachtiar once revealed that Agus was involved in the bombing of a haj (Muslim pilgrims') dormitory in the South Sulawesi capital of Makassar, last year.
In Makassar, Gonzalez also held talks with Governor HZB Palaguna and several local and religious figures there.
After the meeting, Gonzalez revealed that almost all of the local and religious figures described Agus as a "good person".
Gonzalez said the accounts could be considered as one reason for releasing Agus from detention.
"The Philippines government is quite surprised by the reaction of Indonesian people here to Agus' arrest. Many of the Indonesian high-ranking officials discussed the case as if it were a political one.
"Actually, the case is purely a crime that has nothing to do with politics. But as the case has already become politicized, I guess our government has to clarify it," Gonzalez said.
During his visit, Gonzalez also visited Agus' family, including his wife and children.
Asked whether the Philippines government would apologize over the arrest of the three Indonesians, Gonzalez asserted that President Arroyo had already made attempts, including legal intervention, to release the men.
"Consequently, it's not about a request for an apology," he said.