REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, NATUNA -- Indonesia will increase the number of warships and warplanes to patrol and secure the Natuna waters in view of the South China Sea conflict.

"We will strengthen Natuna using the Army, the Navy and the Air Force," Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu said here on Wednesday.

According to the minister, the primary weapons defense system (Alutsista) at Natuna should be reinforced since the island is immediately adjacent to the South China Sea.

"The security must be tightened to avoid any conflict," he remarked.

"There is still tension between China and some ASEAN countries (Malaysia, Vietnam, and the Philippines) in the South China Sea," he said.

Enhanced security will ensure safety and give people working to develop economic sectors a sense of comfort.

He pointed out that the ministry will coordinate with the military to install the primary weapons defense system in Natuna.

"To secure Natuna, Indonesia will deploy four units of fighter aircraft, three corvettes, five patrol boats, and drones," he stated.

"The warship and patrol boats should help combat illegal fishing in Natuna waters. We will secure it by all means," he affirmed.

The Indonesian military will also deploy two thousand personnel to guard the waters of Natuna, Riau Islands, according to Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu.

"The number of military personnel will be increased," Ryacudu noted.

The military personnel will comprise those from the Air Force's Special Forces (Paskhas), the Indonesian Marine Corps, and the Army's Raiders.

"Natuna will be protected by one company of the Paskhas along with two companies of the Marine Corps and the Army's Raiders," he remarked.

In addition, security in border areas in Merauke, Maluku and Tarakan, among others, will be strengthened in terms of the primary weapons defense system (Alutsista) and military personnel.

Meanwhile, the defense ministry will brief the community in Natuna about defending the country.

As a result, the people will love and defend their country.

"This is a border area. The people should be made aware about how to defend the country's territory. They should be trained," he emphasized.

Bukit Barisan Military Commander Major General Lodewyk Pusung stated that Natuna, as the northernmost island of Indonesia, should be secured by deploying additional troops and defense equipment.

"Natuna is only being guarded by two companies of the Army's Raiders, comprising 270 personnel," he added.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika