Marsetio said on Tuesday the Indonesian outer islands have been registered with the United Nations (UN).
"About the number of islands, we have registered with the UN so it is clear which areas belong to us and which areas belong to Singapore," he said.
Semakau Island is one of 10 border areas Indonesia have solved with Singapore. "The western segment stretching from Nipa Island to the north of Batam Island has been solved, but we still have a little problem with the eastern segment but none of our areas is annexed," he said.
Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I Ramadan Pohan meanwhile denied rumors that Singapore had annexed Semakau Island.
"It is not true that Singapore has annexed Semakau Island," he said.
Ramadhan said the House had double checked the matter with various agencies and government officials, such as the State Palace, the Coordinating Ministry for Political, Legal and Security Affairs, and the Directorate General of Law and International Treaties, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He said there had been misunderstanding due to the fact that there are two Semakau islands, one located in Indonesia`s Riau Islands, and the other in Singapore.
"So, there is no annexation of Semakau Besar Island by Singapore as it is part of the Riau Islands in Indonesia. This is clearly seen in the map. In fact, the Riau Islands government itself realizes that there is other Semakau island owned by Singapore," he explained.
Therefore, he expressed regret over the unfounded information posted by irresponsible parties on social media such as `Twitter`. (A050/BSR/S012)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
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