The Indonesian navy continued intensifying operations to secure the country`s outermost islands in anticipation of possible occupation by foreign countries. Navy chief of staff Admiral Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno told newsmen here on Monday he had already prepared special forces to secure the islands.

“So far we have not received reports about disputes over the islands but we keep securing them,” he said at the handing over of the post of commander of the Eastern Fleet Command from Rear Admiral Lili Supramono to Commodore Ignatius Dadiek Surarto.

He said that although with limited personnel and equipment, the navy remained committed to seriously carrying out its duty to secure the regions.

The navy`s warships in their operations to secure the islands are also assisted by ships from the police and other institutions.

“For the security in Ambalat six warships remained in place to anticipate possible infiltration by ships from Malaysia. Naval personnel are ready to intercept in case a foreign ship is infiltrating,” he said.

Tension was rising in the region when Malaysian ships conducted manouvering and infiltrating the waters some time ago.

In connection with reports about the sale of a number of isles in several regions Admiral Tedjo said it was impossible to happen because they were not for sale.

“What I know is that no isle has been sold but probably they are just leased to investors. It is a mere misperception which must be straightened out,” he said.

The new Eastern Fleet Command chief, Commodore Dadiek Surarto, used to be the chief of staff of the Military Seaborn Command and the VIth Navy Main Base in Makassar. Rear Lili Supramono has been assigned as a special staff to the navy`s chief.