Irian separatists release hostage

JAKARTA (JP): Riyanto, a public works employee kidnapped by Irian Jaya separatists in 1995, was released unharmed yesterday after persuasive mediation by military officials and local elders.

Riyanto, 38, was released yesterday afternoon when a military team met with separatists at an arranged location at a hut on the bank of the Igni River, Merauke, near the Papua New Guinea border.

Despite being held captive since Nov. 8, 1995, Riyanto appeared healthy.

His nonviolent release fell on the same week as last year's military operation to secure the release of 11 hostages held by another group of separatists in Irian Jaya. However, that operation ended on a sour note when two hostages were killed.

Riyanto was kidnapped while conducting a road survey near Opkim village, north of Merauke. He and his colleague, Panudjianto, were abducted by separatist forces who were fleeing military forces in a nearby village. Panudjianto was later found dead.

Riyanto's fate was unknown for some time and was presumed dead.

However, authorities began hearing reports in January that he was still alive and, through the help of respected locals, managed to locate him.

The separatist group was soon contacted and talks began to secure his release.

Spokesman for Trikora military command in Irian Jaya, Lt. Col. Maulud Hidayat, told journalists in Jayapura yesterday that a 15- man special operation team had been formed, comprised of military and police personnel. The team was lead by soldiers from the Tribuana team of Army special forces (Kopassus).

The help of villagers from Waropko and Upkim were also invaluable to the team who then went out to hold talks with the separatists.

As requested by the separatists, the operation team, accompanied by businessman Frans Leo and residents of Upkim, held talks directly with Arnold Tumutu, a separatist leader.

During the handover, a touching show of trust was displayed as Tumutu hugged members of the operation team.

Antara quoted Maulud as saying that Tumutu had requested that the Indonesian armed forces improve their conduct and not hurt people's feelings.

Because of this, Maulud cited the rebel leader as saying, the relationship between the separatists and the military was like that between "dogs and pigs".

Riyanto would be flown to Jayapura this morning. He will soon be reunited with his wife and two children living in Wangon, Purwokerto, Central Java. (mds)