Babel Governor and Navy Strengthen Maritime Security
Pangkalpinang (ANTARA) - Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands Hidayat Arsani together with Chief of Naval Staff (KSAL) Admiral Muhammad Ali inspected coastal and maritime defence exercises in Bangka Regency, aimed at strengthening security in the region’s coastal areas.
“If the sea is secure, the community’s economy is also secure. Therefore, we fully support the firm measures taken by authorities to safeguard natural resources whilst also protecting fishermen,” said Hidayat Arsani in a press statement received by ANTARA in Pangkalpinang on Monday.
He said the working visit of the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Muhammad Ali, to Bangka Belitung Islands Province from Sunday (15/2) to Monday (16/2) was an important moment as it was not only about defence, but also about the closeness between the government, security forces and coastal communities.
“The presence of the Navy leadership sends a strong message that archipelagic regions remain a strategic concern for the state, both in terms of security and the welfare of coastal communities in this area,” he said.
During the working visit, the Governor of Bangka Belitung together with the Chief of Naval Staff and their entourage departed directly by helicopter to the coastal defence exercise inspection site.
The journey also served as a symbol of the close synergy between the regional government and the Navy in safeguarding maritime sovereignty, which is the lifeline of the Babel community.
Upon arriving at the Matras Beach area and Fishermen’s Village in Bangka Regency, the Governor and KASAL directly witnessed a readiness simulation of troops in securing the coastal area.
Navy troops during the exercise demonstrated various maritime security scenarios, ranging from patrols to rapid response against potential threats, carried out professionally and with discipline, providing a sense of security for communities living in the archipelagic region.
“Seeing this exercise first-hand makes me proud. Our troops are ready to guard the sea, to guard the people. For an archipelagic community like Bangka Belitung, a sense of security is very important because the sea is our living space,” said Hidayat Arsani.