REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PONTIANAK -- Indonesia has deployed at least 14 naval ships to conduct routine surveillance to secure its territory bordering the South China Sea.

"The surveillance operations are routinely conducted by 14 naval ships to avoid piracy, illegal smuggling, and the theft of marine resources," Head of the Pontianak Naval Base First Admiral Heru Santoso stated here on Wednesday.

The area is one of the busiest international sea lanes connecting several straits such as Malaka, Sunda, and Karimata.

After tensions recently heightened over the South China Sea dispute, the Navy has increased the security level status and has improved the capability of its personnel.

Heru added that the capability of the Navy personnel has been improved to secure Indonesia's natural resources and maritime territory from illegal fishing and trading, particularly in the waters of Natuna, Arafura, and Northern Sulawesi.

The waters of Natuna Island, located near Western Kalimantan, have millions of tons of marine resources including cuttlefish, mackerel, and tuna fish.

The 260 thousand square kilometer Natuna waters directly border the South China Sea, and tensions have escalated after China laid claim over the area.

Beijing had earlier conducted striking maneuvers for nearly two years, including constructing artificial islands in the waters.

Several ASEAN member countries, such as the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore have expressed their wrath over Chinese actions.

During the Shangrila Dialogue held last April, Indonesia had proposed a peaceful settlement of the border dispute by supporting regional dialog and conducting joint patrolling operations in the area.

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