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