Mentawai, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Naval base of Mentawai Islands District, West Sumatra will be strengthened by one patrol boat unit, Mentawai Naval Base Commander (Danlanal), Lieutenant Colonel Anis Munandar remarked in Tuapejat on Wednesday.
"The main base of the Navy (Lantamal) II Padang will get four units of patrol boats, the only one will be assigned to strengthen and maintain the waters of the Mentawai Sea," he explained.
He said that although one of four vessels was assigned to Mentawai, the dock was still being carried out at Bungus harbor which is currently under construction process.
In general, the vessel has a speed of up to 30 knots and able to accommodate 40 personnel.
It would be an important part of strengthening Mentawai marine security, monitoring and law enforcement from action, smuggling, fish theft, illegal mining and illegal immigrant control, he pointed out.
Meanwhile, Mentawai Islands Regent, Judas Sabaggalet, said the presence of patrol boats in the area will provide a sense of security for community and provide a quick response to potential vulnerabilities that will occur then.
"We are very appreciative of patrol boat presence, this is a form of government attention in maintaining and improving the supervision of outer islands," he added. (cha)