Navy to set up base in Yogyakarta

Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA News) - The Indonesian Navy is planning to set up a base in the Yogyakarta region, central Java, to better ensure maritime security to the country`s south, its chief said.

"Yogyakarta is one of our choices as it is quite strategically located," Navy Chief of Staff Admiral Slamet Soebijanto said here on Monday.

He said Indonesia still lacked adequate naval bases covering waters to its south. "We only have one but it is located in Kupang (East Nusatenggara)," he said.

It was hoped the plan to build a base in Yogyakarta could be realized soon, Soebijanto said, adding the existence of a naval base in the area would guarantee security for ships passing through waters off the country`s southern coasts.

"With the security guarantee it is hoped the economic sector in the region will further develop," he said.

Regarding the precise location of the base he said there were two alternatives, namely Kulon Progo or Gunung Kidul.