Susilo calls Arroyo over hostages

JAKARTA: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has called Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to take the necessary measures to help release three Indonesians now being held hostage by separatist rebels in southern Philippines.

Foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda said after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday that President Arroyo had promised to order the military, police and intelligence agency to take steps that would lead to their release.

Hassan said the government decided during the Cabinet meeting to send a team comprising officials from the foreign ministry, police, intelligence body and the office of Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs to the Philippines.

The Jami Al Islami group in Mindanao who are holding the three Indonesians hostage are demanding Rp 500 million (US$53,200) in ransom. -- JP