Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has ordered his foreign minister to take action after an NGO claimed that 345 Indonesians are on death row in Malaysia.

According to Jakarta Post , the matter was decided during Susilo's cabinet meeting on Monday based on a report by Jakarta-based research group Sabang-Merauke Circle.

NONE Susilo ( left) said that he has instructed the foreign ministry to ascertain the actual number of Indonesians that will face the death sentence here.

"I personally have been taking care of this matter to ensure fairness. During bilateral meetings, the Malaysian authorities have updated me on each of the legal cases and the best solutions that could fulfill Indonesia's expectations," said Susilo, according to Jakarta Post .

The same report stated that both Susilo and House of Representatives speaker Marzuki Alie said Malaysian laws ought to be respected and Indonesia would refrain from interfering.

"Some are involved in drug trafficking. They know that drug trafficking is punishable by the death penalty, so, they should not have attempted to bring drugs in the first place," said Marzuki.

The claims by Sabang-Merauke Circle are likely to spike simmering tensions between the two countries following a recent maritime dispute that had sparked protests in front of the Malaysian embassy in Jakarta.

The uproar was caused by the detention of three Indonesian Fisheries and Maritime Affairs Ministry officers by the Malaysian authorities on Aug 13. All were freed on Aug 17.

Protests peaked yesterday with the throwing of human faeces into the compound of the Malaysian embassy. There were also reports of the Malaysian flag being smeared with faeces as a mark of protest.