DPD proposes border authority

DPD proposes border authority

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Regional Representative
Council has proposed that an body be established to address
border issues, including territorial disputes and transnational
crimes.

DPD member Jonathan Nubatonis said on Tuesday the council
would officially make the request to President Susilo Bambang
Yudhoyono during its plenary meeting on Aug. 15.

He said the proposed body, which would oversee seven provinces
with land borders with other countries, would help the government
settle future border issues in a more efficient way. "The body
would cut bureaucratic barriers, which have so far slowed efforts
to resolve border issues," he added.

The DPD, he said, had identified common problems that could
pose a threat to the country's sovereignty, such as smuggling,
human trafficking, border disputes, poor working conditions of
troops posted in border areas, a lack of military equipment, and
unfinished border agreements. -- JP