Indonesia launches operation to curb piracy

Radio Australia reports here:

The Indonesian navy has launched a three-month operation aimed at curbing piracy in the Malacca Strait.

The strait is a key international shipping route that has been plagued by pirate attacks.

The operation will involve 20 navy warships, seven motorboats, four planes and two helicopters.

A navy spokesman says it will also involve marine and infantry battalions, four teams of navy frogmen, three teams of amphibious scouts and an intelligence team.

The spokesman says the operation is part of efforts by the states bordering the Malacca Strait - Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore - to secure the waterway.

Wow! The insurance rate increase seems to have gotten some action. Even though the waters are allegedly "safe"...