RI, Malaysia boost border patrols

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Police and military officers from Indonesia and Malaysia wrapped up on Thursday a staff planning committee meeting here, with an agreement to jointly fight crime in border areas.

A spokesman for the Indonesian Military, Col. DJ Nachrowi, said security officers from the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation to eradicate smuggling, pirate attacks and robberies in the border areas.

"We aim to provide security for people who live along the border between the two countries," Nachrowi said.

There are frequent pirate attacks in the Strait of Malacca separating the two countries, while illegal logging continues unabated along the two countries' border in Kalimantan.

The two-day meeting took place behind closed doors at the Grand Puri Hotel here. -- JP