Reports of Malaysian aircraft and ships intruding the air space and waters off Indonesia have prompted the Indonesian Air Force to patrol the waters over the Sulawesi Sea where the two countries are disputing the boundary lines.

Ownership of the oil and gas rich Ambalat Blocks ND6 and ND7 is fueling the feud.

Though Indonesia signed a production sharing contract with Eni in 1999 to operate the Ambalat blocks, both countries have awarded contracts to major international firms.

Representatives of the two countries are said to have scheduled their 10th meeting in Penang, Malaysia, soon, to resolve the conflict.