Jakarta, Feb. 4 -- Commission I of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) has approved the request of the Defense Ministry and the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI) to accept a grant of two patrol boats from Japan.

"Commission I approved the acceptance of a grant of patrol boats from the Official Security Assistance (OSA) of Japan," Commission I chairperson Utut Adianto said at a working meeting with Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and commander of the TNI, General Agus Subiyanto, here on Tuesday.

Minister Sjamsoeddin outlined the reasons for securing the two patrol boats from Japan.

First, the boats are important for guarding eight choke points or narrow spots in Indonesian territory.

"This is very important to kn...