Irianese help hunt kidnappers

MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: Ekari, an indigenous tribe of the Fakfak regency is helping the military to rescue three employees of PT Kamundan Raya who have been held hostage since Aug.14.

Col. Frans Willem de Wanna, leader of the rescue division, told Antara on Saturday that he very much appreciated the Ekari tribe's help.

The Armed Forces freed nine hostages last week. The rebel group originally held 16 hostages captive.

Frans said that the rebel group consists of only 60 people who only have a few old riffles.

"But freeing the hostages is like finding a tick in a soccer field," Frans said, referring to the difficult terrain of Irian Jaya forests. (14)