Indonesia Sends Strong Message Over Tanjung Datok Issue

Manila (Antara) - Indonesia has already sent a strong, clear message to Malaysia regarding their dispute over the Tanjung Datok waters in Sambas, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has said. "We have already sent a firm and clear message to Malaysia. Let us settle it seriously. Indonesia is very serious. We need not use any other means, especially a military one, but we must be serious. This is our intention," he stated at a press conference here on Saturday before leaving for home after a three-day visit to the Philippines to meet with President Benigno S. Aquiono and attend the World Economic Forum on East Asia. Regarding Tanjung Datok, President Yudhoyono noted that based on a report from the minister of political, legal and security affairs, Malaysia wished to set up a lighthouse for navigation and shipping security. "But as Tanjung Datok is still a disputed area, it will certainly be a problem if they just build it," he explained. In view of this, he stated, Indonesia has invited Malaysia to a meeting to discuss the issue. "As far as I know, the project has been halted, and if it is really needed for shipping safety and navigation purposes, especially during bad weather, we can build it together -- Indonesia and Malaysia -- without the involvement of any state identity," he said, adding that Malaysia has given a positive response to this suggestion. (*) Reporting by Arif Iskandar