President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono Concerned 23 South Koreans Kidnapped By The Taliban On July 24, 2007

The 6th President of the Republic of Indonesia, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. (Wikimedia Commons)

Jakarta - Today, 15 years ago, July 24, 2007, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) visited South Korea (South Korea). SBY's agenda does not only discuss the issue of cooperation. SBY also expressed his concern directly to South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun.

The concern relates to 23 South Koreans held hostage by the Taliban. Indonesia's number one person does not remain silent. SBY offered to help Korea. Then, Indonesian religious leaders were involved in the mission of pinning the hostages.

News related to the kidnapping of 23 South Koreans by the Taliban brought a stir on July 19, 2007. The kidnapping was carried out in Qara Bagh District, Southern Province of Ghazni, Afghanistan. The Taliban also demanded that 200 South Korean soldiers immediately withdraw from Afghanistan.

They also asked that the request must be granted by the end of 2007. Otherwise, the lives of the hostages are in danger. The South Korean government took action. Those in power tried to negotiate on various channels with the Taliban. However, the result was nil.

South Korean missionaries kidnapped by the Taliban on July 19, 2007 before their departure for Afghanistan. (Wikimedia Commons)

Instead, the Taliban asked South Korea to release their comrades in exchange for hostages. Efforts to liberate it went a lot. In fact, they tend not to find common ground between the two parties. After that, news of the hostage-taking reached the ears of Indonesian President SBY. He who was in South Korea also expressed concern at the Cheong Wa Dae Presidential Palace in Seoul, South Korea. The narrative was revealed directly by SBY when he met South Korean President Rah Moo-hyung on July 24, 2007.

"The President expressed his concern over the hostage case of 23 South Korean missionaries in Afghanistan, and hopes that it can be resolved peacefully and the hostages can be released safely," said Presidential Spokesperson, Dino Patti Djalal as quoted by Antara.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also tried to offer assistance. Even though Indonesia has no ties to the Taliban. However, SBY believes that with a religious approach, the Taliban is willing to release the hostages. SBY also asked for help from religious leaders in Indonesia.

The effort was successful. The closeness between fellow Muslims also influenced the psychology of the Taliban. The hostage was freed by the Taliban. President Roh Moo-yun was beyond happy. He is very grateful to Indonesia.

Photo of two South Korean hostages killed by the Taliban in Afghanistan on July 29 and 30, 2007, Bae Hyeong-gyu (left) and Shim Seong-min as their bodies arrive at Incheon Airport, Seoul. (Taiwan News)

“Initially, religious leaders in Indonesia who were considered moderate were asked for help by Seoul to establish contact with the Taliban. NU and Muhammadiyah more or less took part in establishing contact with the Taliban. The closeness of fellow Muslims also influences the psychology of the Taliban."

“Furthermore, through an intense diplomatic struggle, the Indonesian diplomats were finally accepted by the Taliban to become observers in the process of releasing the hostages. As a result, as described above, President Roh Moo-yun is also very grateful to Indonesia,” wrote M. Bambang Pranowo in the book Javanese People Become Terrorists (2011).