TNI Plans To Form Task Forces In RI - Timor Leste Border

Kupang, E Nusa Tenggara, Oct 8 (Antara) - The Indonesian Military (TNI) plans to create two task forces in Belu and Timor Tengah Utara districts bordering Timor Leste. "The creation of two task forces is aimed at effectively securing state borders and sovereignty," commander of the 161/Wira Sakti district military command Brig. Gen. Achmad Yuliarto said on Wednesday. He was responding to a query about the effectiveness of the Indonesia-Timor Leste border task force that has 39 outposts in four districts: Belu, Malaka, Timor Tengah Utara, and Kupang. To date, only one task force, whose command station is in Belu district, has safeguarded the state sovereignty in the areas bordering Timor Leste, he noted. Therefore, the military deemed it necessary to divide the command station of the task force into command station A and command station B, he added. Command station A comprising 350 personnel will remain in Belu district, while command station B, which also will have 360 personnel, will be situated in Timor Tengah Utara district. The plan to form two command stations is expected to be endorsed later this month. "The plan should have been endorsed on October 1, but it was put on hold as more preparations were to be made," he said.