TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesia Sea and Coast Guard (KPLP) of the Transportation Ministry, mobilized 39 ships on a patrol in Natuna Waters, Riau Islands. Director of KPLP Ahmad, said that the 39 ships were originated from five different Sea and Coast Guard (PLP) headquarters.

The ships were originated from PLP headquarter in Tanjung Uban (Riau Islands), PLP headquarter in Tanjung Priok (Jakarta), PLP headquarter in Tanjung Perak (East Java), PLP headquarter in Bitung (North Sulawesi), and PLP headquarter in Tual (Maluku). "We'll wait for orders," said Ahmad at the Ministry of Transportation office on Friday, January 10, 2020.

A few days ago, Chinese ships were reported to have stolen fish within Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone (ZEE) in Natuna under the escort of the Chinese Coast Guard. The Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) said that the ships have left Natuna waters on Thursday, January 9, 2020.

Since Sunday, 3 January 2020, the Indonesian State Ship (KN) Sarotama P-112 has set off from the PLP Tanjung Uban on Bintan Island to the waters of Natuna, which is more than 500 kilometers away. On Friday, January 10, 2020, KN Kalimasada P-115 was also sent to assist KN Sarotama P-112.

In addition to the two ships, said Ahmad, KPLP also alerted the KN Trisula in Tanjung Priok, KN Alugara in Tanjung Perak, and KN Sudamani that is currently patrolling in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. "And we also have ship in Benoa [Bali]," Ahmad said.

In Natuna, these ships will join the warships that belonged to Indonesian Navy. They all patrol and share the task to monitor Natuna waters.

FAJAR PEBRIANTO