'SAR training must be held in Maluku'

AMBON, Maluku: The head of Ambon navigational district, Capt. Sofyan Latuconsina, has suggested that the Indonesian-Australian annual search-and-rescue (SAR) training program be held in Maluku waters.

The training program is usually conducted in the waters of Merauke, Irian Jaya, and in Timor Straits of East Timor province, the Antara news agency reported yesterday.

Apart from honing search-and-rescue skills and coordination, the program also campaigns to reduce sea pollution.

"The traffic in Maluku waters, especially with the Australian ships heading to Asia and the Pacific, is quite busy," Latuconsina said. (swe)