The plan was announced in a recent visit made by Home Minister Tito Karnavian, Deputy Defense Minister Lt. Gen. Muhammad Herindra, Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) chief Vice Adm. Aan Kurnia and Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad.

Speaking after visiting the area, Tito underlined the strategic importance of Karang Singa, which is also known as Carter Rif, considering its proximity to the territorial waters of other countries.

Karang Singa is a shoal of rock located off the coast of Bintan Island, Riau Islands province. It is situated near the disputed South Ledge, a low-tide elevation that is claimed by both Malaysia and Singapore.

Karang Singa is also situated in close proximity to Pulau Batu Puteh and Middle Rocks, all of which were also part of a territorial dispute between Malaysia and Singapore that was brought to the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

In 2008, the ICJ ruled that Pulau Batu Puteh was Singaporean territory and determined Middle Rocks as Malaysian territory. The court also ruled that South Ledge belonged to the country that had sovereignty in the territorial waters in which it was located.

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