Indonesia Highlights: Indonesian Teen Hostage Released by Abu Sayyaf Militants in Joint Rescue Operation | Indonesian Badminton Team Return Home after All England Open Exclusion | Halim Airport in Jak

KOMPAS.com – Following last week’s rescue of three Indonesian nationals who were being held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf terror group, the Philippine authorities managed to rescue an Indonesian teen in a gun battle with the group.

A 14-year-old teen identified as MK was rescued by the authorities in a joint operation on Sunday, March 21.

The Indonesian badminton team returns home on Sunday, March 21, after the Covid-19 nasal swab tests showed negative results during the All England Open.

The team was forced to withdraw from the prestigious tournament after British health authorities on Wednesday instructed them to carry out 10-day isolation as a passenger traveling on-board with the team's flight tested positive for Covid-19.

Below are excerpts from the stories in Indonesia, curated by Kompas.com editors:

Indonesian Teen Hostage Released by Abu Sayyaf Militants in Joint Rescue Operation

An Indonesian teenager identified as MK was rescued by Philippine Authorities in a joint operation against militants from the Abu Sayyaf group, which is linked with Islamic State extremists, in Kalupag Island on Sunday, March 21.

“Following the previous rescue of three Indonesian nationals who were being held hostage by Abu Sayyaf group on Thursday, March 18, another Indonesian identified as MK has been rescued in Kalupag Island on Sunday, March 21,” said a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.

During the joint operation, the authorities have cornered the militant group through a gun battle. The 14-year-old teen was rescued by the authorities when the Abu Sayyaf group was trying to run away.

Following the rescue, representatives from the Indonesian government in the Philippines then visited MK.

“The Indonesian Consulate in Davao through the military personnel at the border crossing station in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi have met and checked the well-being of the boy, who is in good health,” the statement said.

A total of four hostages have been released. They all will be taken to Zamboanga before being flown to Manila.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Indonesian Embassy in Manila and the Indonesian Consulate General in Davao City will coordinate with the Philippine government for the repatriation process to Indonesia.

“The Indonesian government expresses its appreciation for a good cooperation with the government and the Philippine law enforcement apparatus,” the statement said.

Source: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/03/21/18434101/pemuda-wni-yang-disandera-abu-sayyaf-dibebaskan.