JAKARTA: Minister of Defense Purnomo Yusgiantoro said the Indonesia and Australia government will strengthen military cooperation in humanitarian fields.
"The construction of US military base in Darwin will not interfere with the sovereignty of Indonesia," said Minister of Defense after a stay in touch Mass media Chief Editors in Ministry of Defense office on Thursday night (08/02/2012), as cited by Antara.
Purnomo further asserted, "We have received clarification from the US and Australia that the construction of the base does not threaten the sovereignty of Indonesia. Head of Public Communication of the Ministry has assured it by visiting the base. He said that bilateral relations have been stated in "Lombok Treaty" agreement. Indonesia and Australia relation has been running fine.”
Both countries are working together in a humanitarian concern, such as protection in emergency cases that occurred in Indonesia – Australia border. These activities are in the form of emergency treatment in case of a ship accident.
Moreover, the minister said the cooperation will also be held related to illegal residents. Indonesia will address if there are immigrants stranded at sea.
This effort is conducted by both countries through joint patrols which have been carried out in the Timor Sea.
Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Marsdya Herryanto Eris said in the cooperation effort Indonesia deployed National Save and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).
"The further cooperation will be carried out in a meeting to be conducted in September 2012. The meeting will also discuss details of cooperation, including the placement of the troubled ship. Whether it will be based in Indonesia or not," he said. (T07/msw)
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