Indonesia Bans Ships for Philippines

 

According to a report in AP,  Indonesia said, a halt on coal shipments to the Philippines will remain in place until Manila can secure its waters after seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped, the latest in a string of abductions.

 

The ruling was issued after the government confirmed the Indonesian sailors were kidnapped at gunpoint earlier this week, and were being held hostage.

 

The growing frequency of maritime attacks by Islamist militants is for the first time affecting coal trade between the Southeast Asian neighbours. 

 

Director General Sea Transportation Transportation Ministrys, A Tonny Budiono said the seaport masters have been strictly ordered not to issue permits for the Philippines-bound vessels without any exception.

 

"Hijacking is a serious crime that cannot be tolerated. Therefore, I ask every district navigation head to instruct every coastal operational radio station (SROP) to monitor and relay as early as possible if there is any indication of danger," Boediono stated. 

 

To prevent any commercial vessels from breaching the ban, Indonesia will also ramp up marine patrols in its waters bordering the southern Philippines, Budiono added.

 

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Minister Retno Marsudi had condemned the hostage-taking incident happeing once again. In the latest incident, two armed groups in south Philippines took hostage crew members of Indonesian vessels on June 20, 2016.