Indonesia Intensifies Sea Patrols to Maintain Maritime Security
In addition to independent patrols, which are conducted throughout the year, Bakamla is conducting collaborative patrols with domestic agencies such as the Indonesian Navy, the Maritime and Shipping Surveillance Unit (KPLP), the Indonesian National Police (Polri), as well as Customs and Excise, and Immigration.
Bakamla Head Rear Admiral Irvansyah stated that these joint patrols are conducted regularly every year across all zones, from the west, central, and east.
“Because we realize that each agency cannot work alone. The number of patrol assets is also limited, so collaboration is key,” Irvansyah said here on Thursday.
In terms of international cooperation, he continued, Indonesia also conducts joint patrols with fellow ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
This collaboration is strengthened through the ASEAN Coast Guard Forum (ACF), initiated by Indonesia’s Bakamla to unite all coast guards in the Southeast Asian region.
“This forum has been running since 2022, with Bakamla as the initiator. We want all ASEAN countries to work together to maintain maritime security and safety, because the sea cannot be guarded alone,” he said.
Not only regular meetings, the forum also facilitates monthly briefings between countries to strengthen coordination and information sharing, Irvansyah remarked.
In facing the geopolitical turmoil caused by the rising tensions in the Middle East, Bakamla expressed its readiness to support joint defense operations with TNI and the Defense Ministry, if needed.
“We must be ready at all times. The situation can change quickly, and we must not be surprised when conditions become critical,” Irvansyah said.
Bakamla has around 10 patrol vessels spread across three zones, with the western zone covering strategic waters such as Natuna, the Malacca Strait, and Aceh.
To optimize surveillance, Bakamla utilizes technology such as drones, satellites, and marine radar, as well as involving the community through the Maritime Guard Volunteer Program (Rapala).
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Translator: Amandine Nadja, Yashinta Difa