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Natuna Brimob being prepared to anticipate South China Sea tension
Riau Islands Police will establish a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) company in Natuna in anticipation of escalating conflict in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
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On show is Indonesian Navy war vessel KRI Oswald Siahaan in Natuna waters, Riau Islands province. (Tribunnews/-)
R
iau Islands Police will establish a Mobile Brigade (Brimob) division in Natuna in anticipation of escalating conflict in the disputed waters of the South China Sea.
“Establishment of a Brimob force [in Natuna] is in line with the National Police’s decision to strengthen security in the region,” Riau Islands Police chief Sr. Comr. Saptono Erlangga told The Jakarta Post on Tuesday.
National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian upgraded the level of Riau Islands Police from type B to type A on Jan. 20, following the change of United States leadership from Barack Obama to newly inaugurated President Donald Trump because it was expected the new administration would affect their policy toward the South China Sea, a potential flash point between “superpower” countries like the US and China.
Following the level upgrade, Riau Islands Police personnel would be increased to around 12,000 from the current 5,000.
Saptono said the establishment of a Brimob division of 100 personnel in Natuna was in preparation and had been conveyed to the National Police. Natuna is the closest area in Indonesia to the South China Sea.
