REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The government should strengthen security in the Indonesian-Philippines border areas to curb acts of piracy committed by the Abu Sayyaf armed group, House of Representatives' Commission I Vice Chairman T.B. Hasanuddin stated.

"Indonesia's vessels should be guarded by the Navy in an attempt to secure their goods. The Philippine Navy should escort the vessels on their way back from the country," Hasanuddin stated here on Tuesday.

The lawmaker pointed out that the trade route in the naval border areas had not been managed properly.

"Joint maritime patrols by Indonesia and the Philippines can combat piracy," he affirmed.