IT is not easy for the TNI to comment on the process of releasing RCTI reporter Ferry Santoro and other civilian hostages who were held for several months by GAM. The negotiating process by the ICRC and PMI was inflexible and took a long time. Yet only 36 hours notice was given.

Ferry was eventually released. But six journalists who were part of the negotiating team were reported taken hostage in the mountains by GAM. Tensions arose. TNI Commander