REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli has highlighted the importance of stepping up defense and security initiatives in Natuna after a fish poaching case was reported in the area.

"We will reinforce the defense and security systems in Natuna," Minister Ramli noted at a press conference at the office of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry here on Wednesday.

The minister hoped the Indonesian Defense Forces (TNI) will step up defense initiatives in the area, so that Natuna would be effectively supervised. The government will also intensify coordination among law enforcers to fight fish poaching.

Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu had earlier remarked that Indonesia will build several military bases in the Natuna Islands to safeguard its sovereignty and implement the rule of law.

"We have been planning the construction since September 2015, starting with a policy issued by the defense minister and then its implementation by the commander of the TNI," the minister stated on Friday (July 1).

Following the instruction of President Joko Widodo to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and to enforce the law in Natuna Islands, TNI Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo, meanwhile, revealed that the government will build several military bases in the region and will also extend the runway of the Ranai Air Base.

"We need bases to house fighter aircraft along with ground support equipment for the Military's air fleet," Gen. Gatot affirmed on Monday (June 27).

According to Gatot, the government should build a pier that can be used by several Indonesian military ships to safeguard the nation's waters as well as set up a radar station to monitor the border areas.

Natuna Islands have become a strategic region, as they are located directly adjacent to Malaysia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Global shipping lanes pass through Natuna and its surrounding areas, especially for ships sailing to Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea.

Developing Natuna is a necessity and also a top priority of the Indonesian government, as its borders serve as the gateway to the country.

In addition, the government has implemented a program to transform Indonesia into a global maritime axis.

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