TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta: President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has not given the order to reduce security forces in Ambalat. The Indonesian Military (TNI) Commander in Chief, General Endriartono Sutarto, made this announcement to reporters after a meeting to discuss the situation in Ambalat at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Wednesday (8/3).
Sutarto was not prepared to state how exactly many TNI personnel were assigned to the area. “We are prepared in case we are suddenly called on to defend the sovereignty of Indonesia,” he stated.
Sutarto went on to say that the government would also continue with the construction of a lighthouse. “This is an international obligation so that there are no shipping accidents,” he said, adding, “The area is not only guarded by marines, but also by personnel from all forces.”
Abdul Manan – Tempo