REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian navy is preparing to create a third Marine Corps division in Sorong, Papua, to guard the country's border sovereignty.

"We will set up a third division of the Marine Corps in Sorong. Preparations are being made," Admiral Marsetio, Navy Chief of Staff, said here on Friday after a ceremony to mark the 68th anniversary of the Marine Corps.

Along with the usual facilities, he said the navy will add weapon systems and a base, which will include the headquarters.

"Some of these are ready. Hopefully, in 2014, all of them will be effective," he added.

Among the weapon systems being added are the BMP-3F amphibious tanks from Russia, which are expected to arrive by the end of this year.

Armored vehicles (BTR-4), the MLRS and other equipment will be other additions to the Marine Corps.

"The navy leadership will fully support procurement of weapon systems for the Marine Corps," he said.

According to Navy spokesman Commodore Untung Suropati, Pasmar-3, troops stationed in Sorong will be provided with adequate equipment.

The navy has also set up an Infantry-10 battalion in Setoko Island, Batam, Riau Islands, he added.

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