T

he chief of the Mulawarman Military Command, Maj. Gen. Johny L. Tobing, said the Indonesian Military (TNI) would remain on alert to monitor areas along the border with Malaysia in North Kalimantan because of information that they had been claimed by Malaysia.

Among the disputed areas are the lands around the lower reaches of the Simantipal and Sinapad rivers in Lumbis Ogong district, Nunukan regency, which share a border with Malaysia’s Sabah. On Sebatik Island a small village was also in dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia, Johny said. “We don’t engage [militarily], but we remain vigilant,” he said recently.

Reza, a senior North Kalimantan-based journalist, said the disputes had been triggered by a disparity in facilities. “Villages along the border get basic supplies from Malaysia because of better road access,” he said.