Lemhanas calls for new body to examine nationality borders

Lemhanas calls for new body to examine nationality borders

Despite assurances from the foreign ministry that there is no
threat of territorial loss after the Sipadan-Ligitan case,
National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas) Governor Ermaya
Suradinata urged on Monday the establishment of an
interdepartment agency to deal with border issues.

Ermaya said such an agency was necessary to prevent further
border disputes with neighboring countries and possible
territorial loss as happened in the Sipadan-Ligitan case.

"This country should promptly set up an agency to focus on
national borders," Ermaya told a hearing with House Commission I
for defense and foreign affairs.

The body, he said, would clarify national borders from the
aspect of continental borders, marine borders and exclusive
economic zones.

Earlier, foreign ministry spokesman Marty Natalegawa said
there was no threat of territorial loss after the defeat of
Indonesia in the legal battle over Sipadan and Ligitan islands
with Malaysia.

Legislators meanwhile expressed support for the proposal to
form an agency and to outline a bill on territorial borders.

Isac Latuconsina, deputy commission chairman from the
Indonesian Military (TNI)/Police faction in the House, said he
fully backed the idea. He, however, suggested that the government
should take the lead.

A fellow legislator from the United Development Party (PPP),
Nadhier Muhammad, said the bill on territorial borders would be
drawn up in anticipation of any territorial disputes. --JP