Bakamla Conducts Three Types of Patrols to Maintain Unity Among Countries at Sea
Batam, Riau Islands (ANTARA) - Indonesia’s Maritime Security Agency (Bakamla) safeguards maritime security and safety through three types of patrols, including cross-border cooperation to strengthen unity in the Southeast Asian maritime region.
Head of Bakamla, Rear Admiral TNI Irvansyah, stated that the patrols conducted are not only independent but also collaborative at both national and international levels.
“So far, we have carried out three types of patrols. First, independent patrols conducted throughout the year. Second, joint patrols with domestic agencies such as the Indonesian Navy (TNI AL), the Maritime and Port Supervision Unit (KPLP), Police (Polri), Customs, and Immigration,” he said in Batam, Riau Islands (Kepri), on Thursday.
He explained that these joint patrols are carried out routinely every year across all zones, from west to central and east.
“We realise that each agency cannot work alone. The number of patrol assets is also limited, so collaboration is key,” Irvansyah said.
In addition, Bakamla also conducts joint patrols with countries in the Southeast Asian region such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
This cooperation is strengthened through the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF), initiated by Bakamla RI to unite all coast guards in the Southeast Asian region.
“This forum has been running since 2022 with Bakamla RI as the initiator. We want all ASEAN countries to be united in maintaining maritime security and safety, because the sea cannot be guarded alone,” he said.
He conveyed that meetings of the forum are held periodically, including monthly briefings between countries to strengthen coordination and share information.
In facing the global geopolitical dynamics at the beginning of 2026, Bakamla also expressed readiness to support joint defence operations with the TNI and the Ministry of Defence if needed.
“We must be ready at all times. Situations can change quickly, and we must not be caught off guard when conditions become critical,” Irvansyah said.
He stated that Bakamla has around 10 patrol vessels distributed across three zones, with the western zone covering strategic waters such as Natuna, the Malacca Strait to Aceh.
To optimise surveillance, Bakamla also utilises technology such as drones, satellites, sea radars, and involves the community through the sea guard volunteer programme (Rapala).
“We also carry out efficiency with technology and involve the community as volunteers. All of this is to ensure maritime security,” Irvansyah concluded.