TNI Commander Urges Immediate Settlement of Tanjung Datu Lighthouse Problem

Depok, West Java (Antara) - Commander of Indonesia's defense forces (TNI), General Moeldoko, has urged for an immediate settlement of the problem over construction of a lighthouse by Malaysia in Tanjung Datu waters, Sambas, West Kalimantan, since May 2014. "Unless no solution is possible immediately, we (TNI) had better just do (demolish) it," he said after speaking at a dialogue held by Indonesia People Community (Oi) at Iwan Fals' house in Tapos, Depok, West Java, on Saturday. Meetings had been held twice between Indonesian and Malaysian representatives but they had never produced results, he said. According to the plan, they would meet again in the third week of this month, he said. He had already ordered his men, who represented Indonesia in the meeting to be firm and settle the problem fast, General Moeldoko admitted. "A decision must be made in the next meeting to demolish the foundation of the lighthouse," he said. The problem emerged following Malaysia's efforts to build a lighthouse in a "grey area" which is still disputed by Indonesia and Malaysia in Tanjung Datu, since May 19, 2014. The Indonesian navy received information about the construction project from the Directorate General of Sea Transportation of the ministry of transportation that discovered the activity in the location. A ship belonging to the Directorate General of Sea Transportation saw around six boats with Malaysian flags moving in the location escorted by a Malaysian navy warship. (*) Reporting by syaiful hakim