Two Indonesian reporters released in Iraq

A television grab shows Indonesian television reporter Meutya Hafid in Baghdad before her kidnapping. Photo: Reuters

A television grab shows Indonesian television reporter Meutya Hafid in Baghdad before her kidnapping. Photo: Reuters

Two Indonesian reporters who had been held captive in Iraq have been released and are leaving the country, Jakarta's Foreign Ministry said today.

"We can now officially confirm that Meutya and Budiyanto have been released. The Indonesian embassy in Amman has received a phone call from Meutya saying they are now on their way out of Iraq," a spokesman said.

Earlier, a tape broadcast by Indonesia's Metro TV showed female reporter Meutya Hafi (26) and cameraman Budiyanto (38) with a militant who in an unofficial translation appeared to be saying the pair had been freed.

  • Join The Irish Times on WhatsApp and stay up to date

  • Sign up for push alerts to get the best breaking news, analysis and comment delivered directly to your phone

  • Listen to In The News podcast daily for a deep dive on the stories that matter