Separatists free abducted Belgians

JAYAPURA, IriaN Jaya (JP): Two Belgians held hostage by separatist rebels in the Irian Jaya hinterland have been freed after nearly two months in captivity.

Negotiators claim that no ransom was involved in the release of Johan Van den Eynde, 47, and Philippe Simon, 49, with the separatist Free Papua Movement (OPM) only asking that the release be published through the international media.

Upon their arrival here at Sentani Airport on Thursday, the two documentary film makers said they were healthy and had been treated well.

"I was not hurt at all while being held hostage," Johan told journalists.

He added that the two ate regular meals with sweet potatoes being the staple food.

Johan said the most difficult challenge during their abduction was fighting boredom and being away from family and friends for so long.

The two were taken hostage in early June while trekking in Jayawijaya regency. During the third day of their journey, they were confronted at Paluga village by about 15 men armed with bows and arrows, and machetes.

"I tried to tell them that we were merely adventurers and not spies," Johan said of the ordeal.

The negotiating team of Theo van Den Broek and Benny Giay also said that publicity of the separatists' aims was the only condition placed on the two Belgians' release.

Benny said that Titus Murib, the leader of the group which kidnapped the two men, had also apologized for their actions, saying that it was the only option available to them for raising awareness of their cause.

At the airport, the negotiators officially handed over the two Belgians to local authorities, represented by Irian Jaya Police chief Insp. Gen. Made Mangku Pastika, who then transferred the men to Belgian diplomats.

Johan and Philippe are due to fly to Jakarta on Saturday before catching a flight back home to Belgium.

Separatist rebels have frequently targeted foreigners for abduction.

One of the most dramatic events was when rebels abducted several Indonesian and foreign researchers in 1996. The incident culminated in a dramatic military operation to release the group, which resulted in the deaths of two hostages.

Earlier this year, two South Koreans working for a timber company in the province were also taken hostage for several days before being released. (35)