Criminal

 TNI against Somali pirates

Indonesian military (TNI) spokesperson Rear Adm. Iskandar Sitompul said Sunday that the nation should be proud of the government's work in rescuing the crew of the Sinar Kudus.

"No other nation has succeeded in saving men held hostage at sea in less than 150 days. We managed to do it in 46 days," Iskandar said at a press conference.

He said that as early as March 18 the President had led a Cabinet meeting to discuss rescue options, and that by March 23 navy soldiers had been sent to monitor the ship’s situation.

"We sent three ships, one aircraft and one helicopter," he said.

However, Iskandar said that the government chose not to take military action as it would put the safety of the hostages in danger.

"The Association of Trade Ship Captains and the families of the men preferred to negotiate," he said.

He said, "We recommended Samudera Indonesia carry out the negotiations with the pirates.”

Iskandar said the military helped to escort the ship to the nearest port after the pirates deserted it following the ransom payment by the company.

*source: Jakarta Post