Officials Cite Need For Independent Coast Guard

The Indonesian government has decided to create an independent coast guard in the near future, say officials cited by the Jakarta Post.

The navy now is responsible for safeguarding national waters, including investigating fishermen operating without permits.

A coast guard is needed for law enforcement tasks to free up the navy for defense tasks, according to officials backing the change.

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has appointed the coordinating political, law and...