War game routine

SURABAYA: The naval exercise slated to be held in waters off South Kalimantan this month has nothing to do with the dispute over the two islands of Sipadan and Ligitan, between Indonesia and Malaysia.

"The exercise is part of the Navy's annual exercise and it has no links with the dispute over the two islets," Antara quoted spokesman for the Eastern Naval Fleet Lt. Col. Kusmandar as saying here on Sunday.

The exercise will be a major combat drill, deploying over 8,000 personnel and 40 war ships, several of which are vessels purchased from the ex-East Germany arsenal.

Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to put their dispute over Ligitan and Sipadan, both of which border Kalimantan and Sabah, on hold until a peaceful solution can be found. (rms)