Airbase to secure Timor Gap

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Navy Chief Admiral Arief Kushariadi said the planned naval airbase here would ensure the security of the joint offshore exploration project in the oil- rich Timor Gap.

"It is necessary to have an airbase here especially after the signing of the joint Indonesia-Australia patrol agreement for the Timor Gap," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

The geographic position of Kupang, the capital of East Nusa Tenggara on Timor island, is strategic for logistics support for the Navy's air patrol in the Timor Gap.

Kupang is being developed to become the economic growth center for the country's eastern region.

Illegal activities are common in East Nusa Tenggara's waters which border international waters. (swe)