Security boosted in Maluku, Papua

Security boosted in Maluku, Papua

SORONG, Papua: The Navy plans to deploy dozens of warships to
ensure security in Indonesian waters, especially off Maluku and
Papua.

Sorong Navy Base commander Maj. Kris Sri Hod told Antara on
Friday that his organization was optimistic of being able to
ensure security in the waters off Maluku and Papua, despite the
small number of naval vessels assigned to cover such a huge area.

He stressed, however, that the Navy had been successful in
educating and informing the public and the business community
about the need to report any violation of the law at sea, such as
foreign ships illegally entering Indonesian waters.

"We will also increase the frequency of our patrols at sea,"
he said.

According to Kris, the number of foreign ships entering
Indonesian waters had sharply decreased.

He explained that the Navy would allow all fishing companies
to operate in Maluku and Papua waters provided they preserved the
maritime environment and possessed the necessary permits.

He said that the Navy would not tolerate any use of bombs or
chemical substances for fishing.--Antara