RI, Thailand to secure Strait of Malacca<\/p>\n
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok<\/p>\n
The Indonesian and Thai Navies have agreed to enhance cooperation
\nso as to increase security in the busy Strait of Malacca, where
\npiracy and arms smuggling are rampant.<\/p>\n
The cooperation, however, will not allow the two navies to
\ncross into each other's territories, Indonesian Navy Chief of
\nStaff Adm. Slamet Soebiyanto told The Jakarta Post in Bangkok.<\/p>\n
\"Although Thailand is not a littoral state, it has offered
\nhelp to provide security in the Strait of Malacca,\" he said after
\npaying a courtesy call to Royal Thai Navy Commander Adm. Sampop
\nAmpapala and Thai Supreme Commander Gen. Chaisit Shinawatra on
\nTuesday evening.<\/p>\n
Thailand controls the northern part of the busy international
\nshipping route, where Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore conduct
\nroutine patrols to fight piracy.<\/p>\n
During the meeting, both navies agreed to increase information
\nexchanges to improve security in the strait.<\/p>\n
\"Thailand's help is very important, especially as regards the
\nissue of Aceh province,\" said Slamet. \"Stronger security
\ncooperation could reduce the smuggling of weapons into Aceh.\"<\/p>\n
The separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM), which has been
\nfighting for independence since 1976, has been accused of
\nobtaining smuggled weapons from Thailand.<\/p>\n
The Strait of Malacca is vital to the world's trade as a half
\nof its oil and one-third of its trade are transported on board
\nthe 50,000 cargo vessels that annually pass through the 900-
\nkilometer waterway.<\/p>\n
While most sides have called for improved security in the
\nstrait, Slamet reiterated once again that the responsibility
\nrested in the hands of the littoral states -- Indonesia, Malaysia
\nand Singapore.<\/p>\n
\"We welcome all contributions and help from other countries
\nusing the strait as long as the littoral states are in charge.<\/p>\n
\"It is important to note that the Strait of Malacca is not an
\ninternational strait although it can be used for international
\nsea traffic,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Slamet said the participation of user states in providing
\nsecurity in the strait was guaranteed by the 1982 United Nations
\nConvention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).<\/p>\n
The U.S. has called for multilateral efforts, saying that it
\nwanted to send patrol ships -- something that was strongly
\nopposed by Indonesia and Malaysia.<\/p>\n
Japan is reportedly planning to donate several patrol boats,
\nalthough there were no details available as to how it will get
\naround the provision of its constitution that bans the supply of
\nweapons to third countries.<\/p>\n
\"But I think Japan will be able to sort this thing out as it
\nis related to its national interest,\" said Slamet.<\/p>\n
As for widespread reports of rampant piracy in the waterway,
\nSlamet played the issue down, claiming it was an attempt to
\ninternationalize the strait.<\/p>\n
\"The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) always uses the term
\nsea piracy, which is incorrect. Sea piracy can only happen on the
\nopen sea and the Strait of Malacca is not the open sea. \"What
\nhappens there is more in the nature of sea robbery,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Slamet also said it was not necessary to set up a coast guard
\nin Indonesia, despite the fact that Malaysia recently announced
\nthe establishment of such a body, which will start operating by
\nthe end of this year.<\/p>\n
\"It would be better to improve the existing institutions
\ndealing with safety and security at sea instead of creating new
\nones.<\/p>\n
\"We can redefine each institution's tasks and powers, and
\nenhance their fleets,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Currently, the navy, police, customs service and the Ministry
\nof Transportation's Sea and Coastal Security Unit (KPLP) share
\nthe responsibility for ensuring safety and security in Indonesian
\nwaters.<\/p>\n
On Wednesday, Slamet left Thailand for South Korea for a
\nsimilar courtesy call and to inspect an Indonesian Navy
\nsubmarine, the KRI Nenggala, which is being upgraded there.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/ri-thailand-to-secure-strait-of-malacca-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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