REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government has sent two protest notes to Malaysia over border violations in Sebatik Island, which is part of Indonesian territory.

During a press briefing here on Thursday, Political Security and Territorial Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Octavino Alimudin said that a Malaysian aircraft had made seven border violations in January.

"We have sent two protest notes, while more details need to be added to the others," he added.

Alimudin explained that the government needed to have every detail related to a border violation on paper, including the exact geographical coordinates, registered number of vehicles/people who trespassed and the date and time of the incident.

"Another important aspect to add is how far they ventured into our territory," he stated.

In addition, the mechanism to convey a complaint over a border violation involves several processes, and according to Alimudin, it can take days, months, or even years.

"It depends on how soon Malaysia responds to our protest. The sooner the better," he remarked.

According to information obtained from the Tarakan airbase in North Kalimantan on June 17, Malaysian warships had been spotted illegally entering the waters of Ambalat in the district of Nunukan on nine occasions, and they had to be warned before they turned back.

With regard to the incident, Alimudin pointed out that the government was still gathering data to lodge a complaint against Malaysia.

Moreover, Alimudin emphasized that Indonesia would resolve border violation issues with Malaysia and other neighboring countries through peaceful diplomatic negotiations.

Indonesia and Malaysia share a border in five regions---west-east in Malacca Strait; southern Malacca Strait; Singapore Strait between Bintan and Johor; South China Sea around Datu Cape that borders Sarawak; and Sulawesi Sea that borders Sabah.

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