"The expulsion occurred at 10:32 a.m. after the pilot of the TNI AL Cassa NC-212-200 patrol plane saw the Malaysian plane intruding on Indonesian territory over Karang Unarang," said Col. Imam Musani, director of planning and development at the Indonesian Navy`s aviation center.
The TNI AL plane, which had been participating in Operation Tameng Hiu in the Tarakan area, chased the Malaysian CN-235 plane from Indonesian territory.
This was not the first time Malaysian aircraft had intruded on Indonesian territory, noted Col. Musani. Malaysian warplanes have frequently flown over Indonesian waters, but were later driven off by Indonesian aircraft, he added.
"Looking ahead, we will intensify our sea operations by conducting patrols more frequently," Col. Musani noted.
He said the Indonesian Navy`s aviation center was waiting for the delivery of five CN-235-220 planes from state aircraft maker PT Dirgantara Indonesia to strengthen the Navy`s air fleet.
Naval Chief of Staff Admiral Soeparno said some time ago that safeguarding the country`s outer islands bordering other nations remains high on the list of the Indonesian Navy`s priorities.
(D010)
Editor: Ella Syafputri
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
