JAKARTA: The Indonesian military (TNI) has received President Joko Widodo's green light to mount a rescue operation if diplomatic efforts fail to free the Indonesian hostages being held by Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines.
According to Tempo news, Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said he has the President's permission for the "military option". But he added that the government would still attempt to resolve the crisis through diplomatic channels, while standing firm in not paying any ransom to the hostage-takers.