TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The House of Representatives passed a new Law on Agreement between the Indonesian Republic and Singapore on the Determination of Maritime Boundaries in the Eastern Singapore Strait.
Gen. (Ret.) Asril Hamzah Tanjung, Deputy Chief of Commission I of the House of Representatives said that the Law determines maritime boundaries of Indonesia and Singapore bordering the eastern part of the Singapore Strait. "It provides legal confirmation on Indonesia's sovereign territory," Asril said on Thursday, December 15, 2016.
The agreement provides legal protection over Indonesia's interests in the Singapore Strait. It will also serve as the base line for law enforcers to act upon transnational crimes based on the national legislation.
According to Asril, the law enforces existing legal framework on spatial planning and resource management in the region. "[The Law] encourages both countries to work together in a number of sectors, which includes border management," Asril said.
Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi added that having a definitive maritime border will help in determining legal certainty in handling disputes against Singapore.
ARKHELAUS W