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RI, Aussie join patrol
KUPANG, E
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UPANG, E. Nusa Tenggara: The Indonesian Navy and Royal Australian Navy are conducting a coordinated patrol exercise, dubbed Cassowary 2008, in the border area around the Timor Sea between Nov. 17-21.
Kupang navy-base spokesman Mayor Rolly Stephanus Rore, on behalf of the Kupang navy-base commander First Admiral Toto Permanto, said Monday that the patrol exercise was aimed at increasing cooperation between the two countries.
"The patrol exercise is aimed at preventing illegal fishing, illegal immigration and pirate practices along the countries' border," said Rolly, adding that Indonesia was using its KRI Hiu-804 vessel and Australia the Armidale vessel.
Rolly hoped that during the excercise, led by Lt. Col. Erwin, both countries would improve their skills.
Cooperation between the Indonesian and Australian navies was initiated in 1968 and formalized with the Indonesia-Australia Defense Cooperation program in the 1980s.
Unfortunately, cooperation faltered in 1999, when the two countries became involved in the former East Timor dispute.
Director of the West Timor Foundation, Ferdi Tanoni, stated on his press release that he hoped the patrol exercise would improve the two countries' proficiency in handling any sea-crimes and border-area disputes, adding that it would not threaten Indonesian fishermen. -- JP
