To support the Navys activities, an observatory post was inaugurated in Popoh coast in Tulungagung district on May 16 in the presence of Commander of the Malang Naval Base Colonel Gendut Sugiono, spokesman for the Tulungagung district administration Sudarmaji said here on Wednesday.
The presence of the observatory post played a strategic role in maintaining regional stability and preventing any attempt of smuggling migrants and goods, he said.
"The presence of naval personnel at the observatory post will also be very helpful in case of sea accident," he added.
The observatory post was built on 63 square meter of land owned by the local office of the Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Ministry.
"Many ships including merchant ship and fishing ship pass through Popoh coast. Moreover, our sea shares a common border with Australia," Commander of the Malang Naval Base Colonel Gendut Sugionoe said.
He said the Popoh sea and its surrounding waters are also prone to human trafficking and illegal immigration,
In addition, Popos sea is also rich in natural resources, such as minerals which are highly prone to looting and smuggling, he added.
(s012/O001 )
Reported by Destyan Handri Sujarwoko
(T.S012/B/KR-BSR/O001)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2017
