REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BOGOR -- Indonesia's defense forces (TNI) commander General Gatot Nurmantyo said here on Sunday that efforts were still being taken to release four other Indonesian citizens that have been held hostage by Abu Sayyaf militant group in the Philippines.

"I ask for your prayers so they can also be released safely," he said at the Presidential Palace after flanking President Joko Widodo at a press conference to announce the release of 10 Indonesian ship crew members that have so far been held hostage by Abu Sayyaf.

General Nurmantyo said that efforts to release the four other hostages would also prioritize safety of the hostages.

"President Joko Widodo has called for prioritizing the safety of the histages," he said.

General Nurmantyo said he would implement a total operation involving both formal and informal networks.

"TNI will also coordinate with the foreign ministry in its intelligence operation," he said.

Foreign minister Retno Marsudi said earlier that the release of the 10 crew members had been done through a total diplomacy involving many parties.

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