Electronic mapping of Strait of Malacca begins

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Navy together with its counterparts and experts from Malaysia, Singapore and Japan began discussions on Monday to finalize the electronic mapping of the Strait of Malacca.

It is hoped the new system will provide more accurate data and interpretation of sea objects in the busy strait.

Navy Hydro-Oceanographic Agency chief Commodore Makmur Sulaiman said the electronic mapping system would replace commonly used paper charts.

He said the Strait of Malacca was being used as a pilot project, with other Indonesian sea-lanes to follow.

"Electronic mapping is one factor that will enhance navigation safety in our waters," Makmur announced on Monday as quoted by Antara.

The Strait of Malacca is an international shipping lane, located between Indonesia's Sumatra island, Malaysia and Singapore. According to a 1971 convention, the three countries agree to be responsible for safety in the strait.

However, the 1982 United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) also calls on nations which frequently use such sea- lanes to also contribute to the safety of the lanes, hence the participation of Japan which considers the Strait of Malacca a vital route for the shipment of oil and gas.

Ships using the electronic mapping system will be directly connected to satellites through a Global Positioning System which will also provide real time data updates on conditions in the sea-lane.

Makmur said the system was currently being tested by the Kelud motor vessel, which is traveling from Tanjung Priok Port in Jakarta to Belawan Port in Medan through the Strait of Malacca.

Separately, international marine law expert Hasyim Djalal warned the government to pay more attention to the strait.

Apart from piracy, he also stressed the need to be wary of drug trafficking in the strait.

Hasyim said the government's lack of attention to safety conditions in the strait would also reflect negatively on Indonesia's record before the London-based International Maritime Organization (IMO).

"Security and attention to the environment in the strait are two urgent matters that the government must deal with," Hasyim said here during a seminar on the optimizing of sea resources for the public's welfare.

Hasyim said an improved system to monitor the condition of ships passing through the strait and a better watchdog for maritime exploration would minimize sea pollution.(dja)