"Quick response team would be expanded not only in the zone of the Western Fleet Command, but also in the zone of the Eastern Fleet Command ," Ade Supandi said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Navy Chief of staff Admiral Ade Supandi said quick response units, which have been expanded by the Navy West Fleet Command would be expanded in the East Fleet Command.

"Quick response team would be expanded not only in the zone of the Western Fleet Command, but also in the zone of the Eastern Fleet Command ," Ade Supandi said here on Tuesday.

The admiral made the statement in between the ceremony of transferring the command of Western Fleet Headquarters from Rear Admiral A Taufiq R to his successor Rear Admiral Siwi Sukma Adji.

Neighboring countries Singapore and Malaysia, have been notified about the plan to expand quick response team in the zone of the East Flee Command, Ade Supandi said.

"They will also adopt and follow the system we have developed as they also need quick reaction to deal with any problem or violation in the sea," he said.

He said so far the presence of the Western Fleet Quick Response (WFQR) has succeeded in reducing cases of violation in the sea such as in the Malacca Strait, Philips Strait and South China Sea.

The WFQR has been set up in the western zone of fleet command to deal with crimes in the sea and for sea security, he said.

The success of WFQR in dealing with and in taking action against sea crimes especially piracy and smuggling in the Malacca Strait has won appreciation from other southeast Asian nations, he said.

A number of government agencies such as the marine and fisheries ministry and transport ministry have also expressed similar appreciation.

He said the presence of WFQR is needed to eliminate sea crimes to zero in the Malacca strait which is known as the most dangerous street of the world for sailors .

WFQR carries out its duty in coordination with the navies of neighboring countries to maintain security in the sea such as in the Malacca Strait and Singapore Strait, he said.

"I hope the new commander of the Western Fleet could carry on with success already performed by his predecessor," he said.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016