TNI ON ALERT OVER TERROR THREAT IN MALACCA STRAIT

Jakarta, March 5 (ANTARA) - The Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI) is being put in a state of extra alertness following a warning from Singapore about a terror threat in the Malacca Strait.

"It was a warning from Singapore and what we are doing is stepping up our alertness. Nothing has actually happened," TNI Chief Gen Djoko Santoso said after a coordination meeting on political, security and legal affairs which was also attended by President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

He said members of the Bukit Barisan and Sriwijaja Military commands and the Western Fleet had already carried out a sweep.

"I have ordered joint detection and cooperation with the police," he said.

He said so far nothing had actually happened but the TNI would remain alert and ready to act.

The Shipping Association of Singapore (SSA), on Thursday, stated the city state's navy had perceived indications of a terrorist group planning to attack oil tankers in the Malacca Strait which is located between Indonesia and Malaysia.

The Association in its appeal said the Singapore navy had recommended increasing security on board ships.

Following the information, the strait's three littoral countries, namely Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore had increased security in the strait.

The chief of the Western Fleet command, Rear Admiral Marsetio, said the three countries as well as Thailand had already set up coordinated patrol cooperation to secure the world's busiest waterway.

He said the four countries kept coordinating with each other to secure the strait through joint naval or air patrols.