'Politics behind release of two Indonesians'

'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.