TNI Personnel Finally Escaped from Hostage Situation in Papua

Liputan6.com, Jakarta - The situation in Papua is evidently worrying, with the Independent Papua Organization (OPM) determined to challenge the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) and the non-Papua population to engage in an open warfare with them. 

The situation deteriorated following reports informing the abduction of 2 TNI Cenderawasih Military Command personnel on Tuesday 26 May 2015.

Sigh of relief immediately apparent as soon as Commander Fransen Siahaan reported the fact that the initially held hostage men of his finally freed themselves from the Papua armed forces in Paniai region.

"Thank God it is such a great news. My men, without the use of force effortlessly freed themselves out of the hostage situation," Fransen informed, Wednesday (27/5/2015).

The two men were detained by the armed forces group on Tuesday 26 May 2015 in the area of Eduda Village, East Paniai.

"Yes this morning a report came to me claiming that the two have successfully escaped," he explained.

According to Fransen, Leri and Sholeh was on their way to Enarotali to using a speedboat.

They were clothed in normal outfit and therefore no one realized that they are personnel of TNI.

At around 15.00 pm, the two personnel travelled in a speedboat along with the a female teacher from the area, Elda Sanadi. 

As soon as they embarked on the area of East Paniai village, a group of armed criminals led by Demianus Magai Yogi took the two soldiers and held them hostage. (Akp/Tnt)