Philippine and Indonesian officials said Monday the Jakarta government recently informed Filipino diplomats of its decision to join the 60-member International Monitoring Team.

The Malaysian-led team, which also has representatives from Brunei, Libya and Japan, has been credited with preventing clashes in the country’s south from escalating into full-blown fighting that can derail the talks.

Presidential Adviser Teresita Deles says Indonesia is grateful for past Philippine peacekeeping help in the once-restive Aceh province on Sumatra Island.