'Politics behind release of two Indonesians'
Annastashya Emmanuelle, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
A leading political figure on Saturday charged that President Megawati Soekarnoputri's intervention in the release of two Indonesians arrested for alleged terrorist activity in the Philippines, was prompted by her desire to avoid domestic repercussions from political elements at home.
Deputy House of Representatives Speaker A.M. Fatwa told The Jakarta Post from Manila that the outcry propelled the president to seek the initiative to call her Philippine counter and seek their release.
Fatwa, a senior member of the National Mandate Party (PAN), would not elaborate further on the likely fallout Megawati if the two Indonesians were not released, saying only that "the case received wide reactions from legislators and other politicians in Indonesia".
"Moreover, there was insufficient evidence found to proceed with the charges (against the two)," he remarked adding only that the two released -- Tamsil Linrung and Abdul Jamal Balfas -- were "influential" figures in the political scene.
Fatwa along with fellow legislator Joko Susilo was in the Philippine capital on Saturday to help oversee the release of the two. Tamsil is a close associate of Fatwa and fellow member of PAN.
Tamsil, Abdul Jamal Balfas and Agus Dwikarna were arrested in Manila on March 13 for allegedly carrying explosives. Tamsil has repeatedly said he was being framed by political elements in Indonesia.
But Tamsil and Abdul Jamal Balfas were released Friday evening to the custody of Indonesian diplomats in Manila, following a personal request from Megawati Soekarnoputri to Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Agus remains under custody.
Despite their release, Tamsil and Balfas must remain in Manila till they April 24 to appear in court for the formal petition of release.
"This is a formal procedure. But we are convinced that afterwards they be free," Fatwa said while insisting that he would also meet with Col. Leo Santiago, the Philippine's deputy task force commander of the Anti-Terrorist Squad along with the Philippine's Justice Minister to seek Agus' release.