T

he Tanjungpura Military Command in West Kalimantan plans to deploy more soldiers and set up additional border posts along the 966-kilometer boundary between the province and Sarawak, Malaysia — from Tanjung Datuk in Sambas regency to Gunung Cemeru in Kapuas Hulu regency.

The border is currently secured by only 33 border posts.

In a press statement, issued after a ceremony to mark the 67th anniversary of the Indonesian Military (TNI) at Kapuas Square in the provincial capital Pontianak on Friday, Tanjungpura Military Command chief Maj. Gen. Ridwan said the number of border posts would be increased to a total of 42.

“The additional border security posts are currently being built and they will be gradually manned by TNI personnel. In the near future, we will replace border guards from 305 Battalion with those from 123 Battalion,” said Ridwan.

He added that the Army would be assisted by the Air Force, which would deploy unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. So far, three of the current 33 border posts are manned by personnel from joint forces.

One of the joint-forces border posts is located in Entikong, Sanggau regency, while two others are in the eastern Sarawak area in Lubok Antu, bordering Kapuas Hulu, and in Biawak, bordering Sambas regency.

“We hope the presence of TNI personnel along the border will protect local communities as well as the sovereignty of the state from enemy threats, be they domestic or foreign,” said Ridwan.

When reached by The Jakarta Post from Pontianak, Kapuas Hulu Border Community Care Forum leader Sutomo Manna said he welcomed the additional number of border posts.

“It is not enough to just reinforce troops; the TNI must also enhance the effectiveness of their presence along the border,” said Sutomo, adding that he hoped the presence of TNI personnel would not be intimidating for residents, and that their presence would be evaluated so as to determine their effectiveness.

Separately, Bandung Naval Base commander Col. Iswan Sutiswan said his command was looking for a location to build a Navy base in the southern region of West Java.

West Java’s southern coastline, which spans 500 kilometers, is considered one of the most prone areas in the country for human smuggling, where a number of embarkation points to Christmas Island in Australia are located.

“The area is becoming more susceptible to crimes, especially the smuggling of migrants to Australia and contraband,” Iswan said after attending the TNI’s 67th anniversary commemoration at Gasibu Square in Bandung on Friday.

According to him, the Indonesian Navy planned to build more naval stations in the area, which currently has two stations, at Pangandaran and Pelabuhan Ratu.

The posts, added Iswan, should be equipped with docks, medical and ship maintenance facilities, so as to support naval operations.

Iswan said West Java’s southern coastline was regarded as safe for migrants and criminals due to lax surveillance by the provincial administration and the Navy.