National

TNI Deploys Personnel on Mengkudu Island
Thursday, 15 December, 2005 | 01:37 WIB

TEMPO Interactive, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara:The 161 Wirasakti Military Resort Command in Kupang has deployed 17 Indonesian Military (TNI) personnel on Mengkudu Island, Sumba Timur regency.
For several years, an Australian citizen has reportedly been residing on the island, having married the daughter of former local figure.

“Five buildings that look like hotels have been constructed there. They all belong to Australians,” reported Infantry Colonel APJ Noch Bola, Chief of the 161 Military Resort/Wirasakti on Tuesday (13/12).

In addition, there have been reports saying that local people have been banned from approaching the area, even for recreational activities.

“Such a ban is incorrect, so therefore, security is required,” stated Bola.

Mengkudu is one of the outer islands of Indonesia, located in the Sumba Timur regency and directly facing the Indian Ocean.

The other outer islands are Batek, Ndana, Salura and Dana.

To prevent such unwanted matters in the future, the TNI is to build a lighthouse on this island that is close to the border with Australia.

When contacted separately, East Sumba Regent Umbu Mehang Kunda acknowledged that there was an Australian citizen who had married a local girl.

However, this Australian citizen visited only the island occasionally.

“When he does come, he only uses a tourist visa, stays there for a while and then returns to Australia. He does not reside there,” Kunda stated.

Regarding the number of bungalows, Kunda said that there were only two and they belonged to local residents.
(Jems de Fortuna-Tempo News Room)