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TNI Navy Rejects US Involvement in Securing Malacca Straits
Thursday, 27 October, 2005 | 22:47 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Jakarta:Indonesian Military (TNI) Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Slamet Subianto once again stated his disapproval over the US involvement in securing the Malacca Straits.

“We still stick to our first stance, that is rejecting the involvement of a foreign country. The Malacca Straits belong to us. Therefore, we should secure the Straits, not foreigners,” Subianto stated in Jakarta on Thursday (27/10).

If foreign countries wish to help Indonesia, Subianto said, they could just donate their equipment to Indonesia. “We will operate the equipment, not them. We’re the ones who know the territory, not them,” stated Subianto.

Indonesia has established cooperation with Singapore and Malaysia in securing the Malacca Straits. Thailand will also join the three countries in securing the Straits. “We’re formulating standard operating procedure on this matter and begin the procedure within in a short time,” stated Subianto.

According to Subianto, the defense system’s main equipment has improved. With the available budget, the Indonesian Military (TNI) Navy will use the maximum allowed of the budget and improve the national preparedness target (Fanny Febiana-Tempo News Room)