The Indonesian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy have planned to join hands in securing waters in the border of the two countries, Indonesian Navy chief of staff Admiral Marsetio said in Jakarta Friday.

Marsetio said that the cooperation aims at dealing with challenges faced by the two countries including illegal fishing, human trafficking and other transnational crimes.

Marsetio said that the two navies will patrol in their own territories.

Indonesia and Australia have cooperated in handling boat people seeking asylum in Australia but recently the relations of the two countries are overshadowed by the spying issue.

Should it be found a violation of law, it would be processed in the nearest navy station, said Marsetio at the sideline of the anniversary of Indonesian marine at Cilandak in South Jakarta.

Indonesia has been a favorite transit point for asylum seekers bound to Australia. They often make crossing from Indonesia to Australia by rickety, wooden boats that frequently triggers sea accidents.

Admiral Marsetio said that the Indonesian navy is ready to be the strategic strength to defend the country.

The admiral asked the marine to improve professionalism so that it could shoulder the duty well in the future.