Indonesia has decided to resolve diplomatically its border spat with Malaysia over the oil-rich Ambalat waters off East Kalimantan.
The move comes amid escalating tensions and widely spouted war rhetoric churned up by Malaysia’s frequent incursions into the disputed area.
The call for diplomacy comes just before scheduled border talks between the two countries.
Indonesian Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno said at a press conference Wednesday he would send a letter, through Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. Djoko Santoso, to Foreign Affairs Minister Hassan Wirajuda, requesting a diplomatic note.
Tedjo added Indonesia would not increase its military presence in Ambalat, but saying it would keep guarding the area with its current six warships and three military aircraft.
“We’ll continue to guard the border and take measures that are in line with regulations and the President’s directives,” Tedjo said after a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
Erwida Maulia, The Jakarta Post
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