INTERNATIONAL

Abu Sayyaf´s terror on Indonesian citizens hasn´t ended yet. After the militia had abducted 10 Indonesian citizens, four more Indonesian citizens were taken hostage last Friday (15/4).

News that 18 Philippine soldiers were killed in crossfire with Abu Sayyaf terrorist group has made the family of the Indonesian hostages increasingly worry. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures that the hostages are okay.

The Abu Sayyaf militant group, who wants to set up an independent nation in southern Philippines, who hijacked the Malaysian Massive 6 vessel has freed the Indonesian and Myanmar crewmembers, leaving only the Malaysian crewmembers.

The abduction of 10 Indonesian nations by Abu Sayyaf militia was considered as a general crime with an economic motive, demanding a ransom to fund their "resistance".

The government is strategizing to free the 10 Indonesians who have been allegedly kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf militia group from the Philippines.

While President Jokowi is garnering praises for his boldness in calling for an international boycott of Israeli products, news is now spread that Indonesia has secret diplomatic relations with Israel.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has supported the government to act firmly against China regarding the case of KM Kway Fey 10078. The House´s Commission I Chairman, Mahfudz Siddiq, stated the issue was a serious violation to Indonesian borders.

The involvement of Chinese coast guard ship that tried to "save" KM Kway Fey 10078, that was captured for illegal fishing in Natuna waters, has alarmed the government to guard the area.

The government hopes it can reach border agreements with ten neighboring countries. Indonesia’s border comprises three categories: territorial borders, continental borders and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Jokowi is challenged to make its call to boycott Israel products official through a Presidential Regulation

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced in its New Year speech on Thursday (7/1) that the government targets to settle several border disputes with neighboring countries this year.

According to Ludiro, Indonesia is not ready facing ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) on economy aspects. Domestic products will likely lose against other ASEAN countries.