Indonesia seeks Malaysia's explanation on lighthouse construction in disputed waters

JAKARTA (Xinhua) - Related officials from Indonesia and Malaysia agreed to further discuss the construction of Malaysia's lighthouse in Tanjung Datuk waters claimed by Indonesia as Malaysia has stopped the construction process.

Indonesia said that the construction of the lighthouse was conducted in Indonesia's territory according to agreement between Indonesia and Malaysia on Continent Base border signed in 1969.

"Under the insistence of Indonesian government, Delimitation Technical Team of the two respective countries agreed to discuss this issue in Jakarta in the near future," said a statement released by Indonesian foreign affairs ministry.

Activities to construct lighthouse in the disputed waters have been stopped since Tuesday after Indonesia engaged its navy vessels to closely watch in the location.

Constriction of the lighthouse was initially reported by Indonesian navigation agency in Pontianal, West Kalimantan province on May 16.

Technical team sent by Indonesia to observe the incident saw initial construction of the lighthouse. They saw three columns and a platform have been erected on the site.

According to a technical team's official, Malaysian government has denied to have the knowledge on the lighthouse construction, saying that it could be constructed by private firms, not by Malaysian arm forces.

Indonesian embassy in Kuala Lumpur planned to send diplomatic note to Malaysian government regarding this issue.

"We called on the two countries to avert things that may spark anxiety to each other. It is hoped that there should be no construction without joint consent," Indonesian Ambassador to Malaysia Herman Prayitno said.

Maritime border dispute has sparked tension in Indonesia and Malaysia relations several times. Territorial dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia over the two islands of Sipadan and Ligitan almost led to open conflict between the two neighboring countries in 2002.