VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Natuna - Indonesian Coordinating Minister for Politics, Law and Security, Mahfud MD monitored Natuna waters, using the Indonesian Warship (KRI) Semarang 594 during his visit to Natuna on Wednesday (15/1). Besides,  he also witnessed the F-16 fighter aircraft maneuver  which secures the waters of Natuna in Ocean operations activity.  After witnessing the maneuver of the main equipment of both the sea and air weapons systems, Minister Mahfud MD was accompanied by Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Edi Prabowo along with entourage of TNI officers and the Indonesian Police conducted a limited meeting on the KRI. The limited meeting was also attended by  Acting Governor of Riau Islands, Isdianto and Natuna Regent, Abdul Hamid Rizal. Minister Mahfud MD in a press conference  explained that his visit to Natuna was related to efforts to improve security in northern Natuna waters.

“Firstly, Presidential Instruction is that the patrol volume is increased.  Symbolically, it has been shown the readiness of the patrol that passed before the gentlemen; there are so many ships. Then next, the government coordinates across ministries and across institutions as well as central relations with the regions related to the management of Natuna,” said mahfud MD.

In addition, Minister Mahfud MD also held dialogue with Natuna fishermen regarding with issues of the placement of north coast fishermen to Natuna waters. The dialogue with the fisherman representatives was held at the Lampa Strait Integrated Marine and Fisheries Center, Pulau Tiga District on Wednesday afternoon (15/1). In initiating the meeting with fishermen, the minister also reviewed the infrastructure of the Center for integrated Maritime and Fisheries and the fishery control ships. (Marjani-AF)