RI to install radar stations along strait

RI to install radar stations along strait

JAKARTA: Indonesia's navy said Sunday it plans to install
radar stations at nine locations in the pirate-infested Malacca
Strait to monitor ships and strengthen security in one of the
world's busiest waterways.

Navy spokesman Commodore Abdul Malik Yusuf did not know when
or where the stations would be installed, saying authorities
still needed to conduct a survey.

The decision follows an agreement between Indonesia, Singapore
and Malaysia to strengthen security in the strategic shipping
lane, seen by many as a prime target for terrorists. The
Southeast Asian nations will start coordinated air patrols over
the Malacca Strait next month.

"The nine radars will help monitor the security situation in
the waterway," Yusuf said. "These will also be points where crews
can report problems like piracy and sea accidents."

Piracy watch officials reported 37 attacks last year in the
waterway, which is used by more than 50,000 ships a year,
carrying half the world's oil and a third of its commerce. -- AP